Mavericks second-round pick Melvin Ajinça to be stashed in France for 2024-25 season

Dallas Mavericks second-round pick Melvin Ajinça will be stashed for the 2024-25 season in the French League after signing with ASVEL Basket on Tuesday.

Ajinça, the cousin of former seven-year veteran Alexis Ajinça, was the 51st overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft after playing last season with Saint-Quentin in France. He averaged 9.5 points and 3.6 rebounds on 48.1% shooting from the field in 30 games.

The 20-year-old played in the NBA Summer League with the Mavericks, averaging 7.2 points and 2.6 rebounds in five appearances. He produced his best game on July 13 with 13 points and five rebounds in a loss to the Utah Jazz.

Ajinça began playing professionally in 2019 with Centre Fédéral de Basket-ball. He eventually joined the junior team with Saint-Quentin and was named the Best Young Player in the 2022-23 season after he averaged 8.5 points and two rebounds in 33 games.

The 6-foot-8 forward leaped up draft boards after a tremendous showing with France in the 2023 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup alongside Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr. He was the second-leading scorer, averaging 19.3 points and 2.9 rebounds en route to the silver medal.

Ajinça will now play with one of the top teams in France. The Mavericks were drawn to him because of his size, shooting and defensive ability, which he will be able to further develop in France next season.