Former South Carolina basketball star gets new NBA deal

On Thursday evening, former South Carolina basketball star AJ Lawson received a new NBA contract. Just two days after being waived by the Dallas Mavericks, the organization brought Lawson back on a two-way contract. ESPN’s Shams Sharania had the news first.

Demonstrating how quickly the business side of sports can work, he played Thursday in the Mavericks’ preseason contest against Utah. He posted two points, two rebounds, and an assist in just seven minutes on the floor.

Lawson’s two-way deal means he will be eligible to play for Dallas and their G League affiliate, the Texas Legends. Two-way players like Lawson can dress for 50 games with the NBA squad while gaining experience in the G League. Another former Gamecock GG Jackson worked his way from a two-way contract to a multi-year contract with the Memphis Grizzlies last season.

Lawson has bounced around a bit both in the NBA and the G League. Since leaving South Carolina in 2021, he has played for multiple organizations, including the Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, and Miami Heat; he has had multiple stints with Dallas, Minnesota, and Atlanta. The athletic wing has been with the Mavericks since the end of 2022 and has had his most NBA success with the franchise.

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With Dallas, Lawson has played both shooting guard and small forward. The Mavericks’ wing position groups are a bit crowded, but rotation spots are still available. Known as a great teammate and energetic sparkplug off the bench, Lawson will fight for a reserve role in Dallas.

Last year, Lawson and the Mavericks made the NBA Finals but lost to the Boston Celtics in five games.

During his South Carolina basketball career, Lawson was an All-SEC contributor. Playing all three perimeter spots during his time in Columbia, he was a fan favorite with his streaky shooting and athletic finishing ability. With the Gamecocks, Lawson averaged over 14 points per game as a three-year starter.

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