Los Angeles added Kylor Kelley to its center mix on an Exhibit 10 contract, aiming to bolster Ayton's spellings behind him. Ayton's star potential remains, with Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber backing up the bigs. Kelley, seven feet, undrafted in 2020, spent last season with South Bay in the G League, posting 11.1 points on 67.4% FG, 6.8 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in 24.3 minutes, after brief NBA stints with Dallas and New Orleans and a season in Italy. The move signals depth-building ahead of training camp.

The Dallas Mavericks have officially signed center Kai Jones to a two-way contract, bringing in a player who has previously seen action with the LA Clippers. This move comes amidst injury concerns, as the Mavericks' roster currently has notable absences, including Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II. To clear space, the team waived Kylor Kelley, who had been a temporary fill-in for the Mavericks this season.

Jones, a former standout at the University of Texas, averaged 2.2 points and 1.6 rebounds in limited minutes with the Clippers before being waived. The Mavericks are looking for additional depth at the center position due to ongoing injuries affecting their big men. Kelley, who played limited minutes, averaged 3 points per game but has now been let go to make way for Jones. This strategic signing reflects the Mavs' commitment to bolstering their roster as the season progresses.

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford is set to miss at least two weeks due to a right knee sprain sustained in a recent game against Sacramento, further depleting a frontcourt already ravaged by injuries. This leaves the Mavericks without their top four big men, including Anthony Davis, who is out until at least the All-Star break due to a groin injury. Joining them are Dereck Lively II, sidelined with a stress fracture, and Dwight Powell, who is dealing with a hip strain.

With Gafford's absence, rookie Kylor Kelley becomes the sole healthy center. Despite his limited experience—he's played only five games and logged just a minute against the Kings—he will need to step up as Dallas faces tough matchups against Golden State and Miami before the All-Star break.

The Dallas Mavericks made headlines with the signing of Kylor Kelley, who made his NBA debut at 27 years old after transitioning from the G League. Kelley was brought in due to a series of injuries plaguing the Mavericks' centers, including Maxi Kleber. His journey to the NBA is notable, having played for various teams including the Austin Spurs and London Lions before finally getting his shot with the Mavericks. In his debut, Kelley contributed with one point, four rebounds, and two steals in eight minutes of play, impressing Coach Jason Kidd with his vocal presence on the court.

This unexpected turn of events comes alongside a record-setting night for teammate Klay Thompson, who displayed exceptional shooting prowess reminiscent of his prime with the Golden State Warriors. Thompson's performance highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of the Mavericks, who are adapting to significant roster changes.

This week in the NBA was filled with drama, from on-court antics to notable achievements. Giannis Antetokounmpo faced backlash after a questionable celebration following a hard foul on Jaylen Brown, contributing to the Milwaukee Bucks' disappointing record.

Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers thrived under new coach Kenny Atkinson, boasting an impressive 10-0 record. D'Angelo Russell had a tumultuous week with the Los Angeles Lakers, but rebounded after being benched. Ja Morant dazzled with incredible plays before suffering an injury, while father-son duos made headlines with historic performances.