Mavs’ Melvin Ajinça Signs With EuroLeague’s LDLC Asvel

The Dallas Mavericks’ 2024 second-round pick, Melvin Ajinça, is continuing his development overseas this season, playing for LDLC Asvel in the EuroLeague, the most competitive basketball league outside the NBA.

Ajinça joins a veteran-laden roster filled with former NBA players such as Theo Maledon, Shaq Harrison, Nando de Colo, Admiral Schofield, Joffrey Lauvergne, and Tarik Black, giving the 19-year-old forward a strong support system as he continues to grow his game.

Ajinça, who made his professional debut last season with Saint-Quentin BB in France's top-tier LNB Pro A league, showed promising flashes during his rookie campaign. Playing 24.5 minutes per game, he averaged 9.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 0.7 assists, making the most of his role in the rotation and showcasing his potential as a 3-and-D forward.

In addition to his club experience, Ajinça has also shined on the international stage, representing France at various youth levels. Most notably, he was a standout performer during the 2024 U19 FIBA World Cup, where he averaged 19.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. His impressive play earned him a spot on the All-Tournament Second Team and helped lead France to a silver medal, ultimately falling to Spain in the championship game.

Ajinça's impressive performances initially had him projected as a potential first-round pick, but injury concerns caused his draft stock to fall. As a result, on June 27, he was selected 51st overall by the New York Knicks in the NBA Draft. However, his draft rights were traded to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for the rights to the 58th pick.

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Ajinça was one of five French players selected in the 2024 draft, alongside first overall pick Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, Tidjane Salaün, and Pacôme Dadiet, demonstrating the growing influence of French basketball talent in the NBA.

Playing for LDLC Asvel in the EuroLeague will offer Ajinça invaluable experience against top-tier competition, allowing him to sharpen his skills in one of the world’s most competitive basketball environments. Surrounded by seasoned veterans with NBA experience, Ajinça will have the chance to further develop his game with the long-term goal of making an impact with the Mavericks in the future.