SL Game 2: Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Lakers | 9:00PM CST | ESPN

[Chicagojk]

So most organizations treat the summer league as a meeting part for their team.    I think some of the younger guys practice with the team even if they don't play in summer league.    I believe after summer league there is a little summer break until things start picking back up after 3-4 weeks.   I think players still work out but I think it is more of a individual thing. 

We have seen most of the Mavs.  It looks like Marshall and Lively arrived in Vegas.   Who have we not seen.   I don't think we have Gafford or Klay right?   Could mean nothing of course.   Brandon Williams hasn't been around either.

[Winter]

So most organizations treat the summer league as a meeting part for their team.    I think some of the younger guys practice with the team even if they don't play in summer league.    I believe after summer league there is a little summer break until things start picking back up after 3-4 weeks.   I think players still work out but I think it is more of a individual thing. 

We have seen most of the Mavs.  It looks like Marshall and Lively arrived in Vegas.   Who have we not seen.   I don't think we have Gafford or Klay right?   Could mean nothing of course.   Brandon Williams hasn't been around either.

Klay I can understand. I wouldn't expect him. But Gafford I'm not sure about. His absence does seem conspicuous.

Did we see PJ in Vegas? - or was that photo from somewhere else?

[Moviemavguy]

My only issue with Sergio is he gets beaten fairly easily by his man when on D. He recovers rairly well, but he is pretty slow of foot.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

Unfortunately he won’t be able to shoot from NBA three point range according to Forrest Gump, so don’t get your hopes up!

Shit game, they completely crumbled quarter by quarter…

You have to be mobile to get your shot off in the NBA.  That's what guys like JJ Redick and Kyle Korver do so well.  I've seen division 3 players knock down 95/100 threes in an open gym.  Being able to shoot doesn't mean anything.

Unless you're an expert on Fenerbace, no one really knows with Tarik.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

We have seen most of the Mavs.  Who have we not seen.   I don't think we have Gafford or Klay right?   Could mean nothing of course.   Brandon Williams hasn't been around either.

Have we seen Max Christie?  or PJ Washington?

[Smitty]

You have to be mobile to get your shot off in the NBA.  That's what guys like JJ Redick and Kyle Korver do so well.  I've seen division 3 players knock down 95/100 threes in an open gym.  Being able to shoot doesn't mean anything.

Unless you're an expert on Fenerbace, no one really knows with Tarik.

We are definitely building up Tarik so much as a fanbase that I now feel he has no chance to live up to it. He may end up a worse shooter in the NBA than Poulakidas or Max or Sergio even. Not saying it’s likely or whatever. Just that the expectations are borderline impossible for him to live up to right now.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Blame the refs? A common refrain around here. Were the refs suspect? Probably. But the Mavs have to shoulder some of the blame. They can't shoot, turned it over some, and didn't execute.

[hakeemfaan]

You have to be mobile to get your shot off in the NBA.  That's what guys like JJ Redick and Kyle Korver do so well.  I've seen division 3 players knock down 95/100 threes in an open gym.  Being able to shoot doesn't mean anything.

Unless you're an expert on Fenerbace, no one really knows with Tarik.

Rigadeau should be a familar name for all Mavs fans. 

Mobility is one aspect. The other aspect is body control and deception. Dirk, Nash, JeT all have slower releases and yet were so good. 

Labaron who I was high on before the draft, and had poor mobility scores, is looking like he might become a really good player.  

So you can’t say it is one thing or the other, but you need something that keeps defenses off balance. 

Also in the modern NBA , you have to defend in space. Else teams will repeatedly target you and render you unplayable unless you are a generational talent   So even if Tarik’ shot translates, it is yet to be seen if he can cut it in the league. It is not easy.

[Winter]

Blame the refs?  A common refrain around here. Were the refs suspect? Probably.  But the Mavs have to shoulder some of the blame. They can't shoot, turned it over some, and didn't execute.

I didn't see the game, but looking at the box score....

Nembhard has apparently lost the ability to reliably shoot a basketball.
Poulikidas is in the process of losing it.
Lawal never could shoot it.
Larry hasn't quite found it.
Ish hasn't either.
Tyler Smith couldn't shoot it ever.
The rest of the rotation barely played.

Rez can't do this by himself. Lawal and Ish should not be expected to contribute much. The only way they will win in Summer League is if the Poulikidas, Larrea, and Nembhard all shoot well. Those would be the only players that play enough minutes who could conceivably contribute to the shooting percentage.

[hakeemfaan]

I didn't see the game, but looking at the box score....

Nembhard has apparently lost the ability to reliably shoot a basketball.
Poulikidas is in the process of losing it.
Lawal never could shoot it.
Larry hasn't quite found it.
Ish hasn't either.
Tyler Smith couldn't shoot it ever.
The rest of the rotation barely played.

Rez can't do this by himself. Lawal and Ish should not be expected to contribute much. The only way they will win in Summer League is if the Poulikidas, Larrea, and Nembhard all shoot well. Those would be the only players that play enough minutes who could conceivably contribute to the shooting percentage.

I would like to see Poulikidas get major ball responsibility for one game. There was a shot when he first played for the Mavs where he drove hard, stopped on a dime even as the defender was moving backwards, and hit a pull-up.  Reminded me so much of Dirk and JeT. 

Then suddenly he started becoming just a  3 point chucker and even won us a game that we didn’t need to.  I wonder if he was told to just hit 3s.  We need good guards who can also score. I want to see other ways he can help the team than just take 3s.  If he can’t then cut him asap.

[Knutsen]

You have to be mobile to get your shot off in the NBA.  That's what guys like JJ Redick and Kyle Korver do so well.  I've seen division 3 players knock down 95/100 threes in an open gym.  Being able to shoot doesn't mean anything.

Unless you're an expert on Fenerbace, no one really knows with Tarik.

You are 100% right. Out of curiosity I prompted ChatGPT to be a NBA scout and make a proper projection how his game will translate - so take it with at least a grain of salt, found it interesting nonetheless:

NBA Scouting Report: Tarik Biberović – Projection with the Dallas Mavericks


The first thing I’d say is that Tarik Biberović is not a typical “Euro prospect.” At 25, he’s already a finished professional. The question isn’t whether he can play basketball at an NBA level—he clearly can. The question is whether the specific things he does at an elite EuroLeague level scale upward against NBA athletes.

From an NBA scouting perspective, I’d describe him as an elite movement shooter with underrated athleticism, very good positional size, high basketball IQ, and enough secondary skills to be a valuable NBA rotation player—but not enough self-creation to become a primary offensive option.




Offensive Projection



The shooting is real


This is where I have the highest confidence.

People often assume Euro shooters benefit primarily from the shorter FIBA three-point line. I actually think Biberović benefits less than most.

Why?

Because he rarely lives on stationary catch-and-shoot attempts.

His shot profile is filled with:

• Movement threes
  
• Flare actions
  
• Pindowns
  
• Dribble handoffs
  
• Relocation shooting
  
• Transition pull-ups
  

Those are exactly the kinds of shots that tend to translate best.

His mechanics are excellent:

• High release
  
• Minimal wasted motion
  
• Balanced footwork
  
• Identical release point regardless of situation
  

He’s also an excellent free throw shooter.

Historically, free throw percentage has been one of the strongest indicators of NBA shooting translation because it reflects repeatable mechanics and touch.

I have very little concern that he’ll become a below-average NBA shooter.




The NBA three-point line


The actual distance difference is much smaller than many fans realize.

At the top of the floor:

• FIBA: 6.75 m (22’1.75”)
  
• NBA: 7.24 m (23’9”)
  

That’s a difference of 49 centimeters (19 inches).

In the corners, the NBA three-point line is actually slightly shorter because of court dimensions.

For elite professionals, 49 centimeters is meaningful, but it’s rarely the deciding factor.

Most EuroLeague shooters—including Biberović—regularly practice from NBA distance.

The bigger question isn’t:

“Can he shoot from NBA range?”

It’s:

“Can he consistently get NBA shots off against NBA defenders?”

I believe the answer is yes.

His combination of movement, balance, quick preparation, and repeatable mechanics gives him a very strong chance of maintaining his shooting value.




The real adjustment: Speed, not distance


This is where the NBA becomes significantly different.

NBA defenders:

• Close out faster
  
• Recover quicker
  
• Cover more ground
  
• Possess greater length and explosiveness
  

The challenge isn’t adding power to the shot.

It’s making the exact same shot with two or three tenths of a second less time.

Many outstanding EuroLeague shooters struggle in the NBA not because they lack range, but because they lose time.

Biberović’s off-ball movement gives him an advantage here.

He’s constantly relocating, reading defenders, and arriving at shooting windows before the defense fully recovers.

Those habits are highly translatable.




NBA spacing


Ironically, I think NBA spacing actually benefits Biberović.

EuroLeague defenses generally feature:

• More packed paint help
  
• Earlier rotations
  
• Greater off-ball physicality
  
• More compact defensive principles
  

NBA offenses create:

• Wider driving lanes
  
• Longer help rotations
  
• More drive-and-kick opportunities
  
• Larger relocation windows
  

That extra space complements Biberović’s strengths.

He’s one of the better off-ball movers in Europe, and players with that profile often find even cleaner shooting opportunities in NBA offensive systems.




Athleticism


This is where casual fans consistently underrate him.

He’s not an explosive vertical athlete in the mold of Anthony Edwards or Jaylen Brown.

But he’s also far from the stereotype of a stationary European shooter.


NBA Athletic Grades

• Straight-line speed: 8/10
  
• Vertical explosiveness: 7.5/10
  
• Lateral quickness: 6.5–7/10
  
• Body control: 8.5/10
  
• Conditioning: 9/10
  

One trait that stands out immediately on film:

He runs extremely well.

He fills transition lanes hard.

He changes ends with purpose.

Those qualities become increasingly valuable in today’s NBA.




Cutting


This may become one of his hidden strengths.

He’s exceptionally intelligent away from the basketball.

He:

• Recognizes defensive mistakes
  
• Cuts behind ball-watching defenders
  
• Times baseline cuts well
  
• Understands spacing instinctively
  

This fits perfectly within modern NBA offenses.

Stylistically, there are similarities to players such as:

• Max Strus
  
• Sam Hauser
  
• Duncan Robinson
  

Not because they play identically, but because they consistently generate offense without needing the ball.




Ball Handling


This remains the biggest offensive limitation.

He can:

• Attack aggressive closeouts
  
• Take two or three efficient dribbles
  
• Finish under control
  
• Make simple passing reads
  

He is not someone who consistently:

• Creates separation in isolation
  
• Breaks down elite wing defenders
  
• Functions as a primary pick-and-roll creator
  

That limits his overall offensive ceiling.

He projects as a connector rather than a creator.




Finishing


His finishing ability is somewhat underrated.

He possesses:

• Good touch
  
• Body control
  
• Finishing with either hand
  
• Solid decision-making around the rim
  

NBA rim protectors will naturally reduce his efficiency, but because he’ll often attack rotating defenses rather than set defenses, I expect him to remain an effective complementary finisher.




Defense


Defense represents the swing skill in his NBA projection.


Positives


He’s:

• Disciplined
  
• Intelligent
  
• Competitive
  
• Fundamentally sound
  
• Rarely caught out of position
  

Those qualities provide a strong defensive foundation.


Concerns


The NBA presents a different level of perimeter athlete.

Night after night he’ll defend players such as:

• Jayson Tatum
  
• Anthony Edwards
  
• Devin Booker
  
• Jaylen Brown
  

That’s an enormous jump in athletic caliber.

I don’t project him as an elite individual defender.

However, I do believe he can become an above-average team defender who understands rotations and consistently executes defensive schemes.

For his offensive profile, that’s more than sufficient.




Half-Year Projection


The biggest adjustment won’t be basketball itself.

It will be:

• 82-game schedule
  
• Constant travel
  
• Fewer practice opportunities
  
• Faster pace
  
• Increased physical demands
  

I expect him to begin the season in a limited rotation role before gradually earning greater trust.

Projected first six months:

• 15–20 minutes per game
  
• 7–9 points
  
• 39–41% from three
  
• Positive floor spacing
  
• Reliable second-unit contributor
  

There will likely be stretches where his minutes fluctuate as he adapts defensively and physically.




One-Year Projection


After a full NBA season, I think the game begins to slow down for him.

The spacing becomes familiar.

The pace becomes natural.

The reads become automatic.

At that point I see him settling into a valuable playoff-caliber rotation role.

Projected production:

• 22–27 minutes
  
• 10–13 points
  
• 41–43% from three
  
• 2–4 rebounds
  
• 1.5–2 assists
  

More importantly, defenses will consistently stay attached to him.

That changes offensive geometry.

Spacing isn’t only about percentages.

It’s about gravity.

If defenders refuse to leave Biberović, he’s creating value even without touching the basketball.




NBA Comparisons


No comparison is perfect.


Ceiling


A more dynamic movement shooter than Sam Hauser with slightly better athleticism.

Or a version of Max Strus with a bit more size and similar off-ball value.

If every aspect develops optimally, he could approach the impact level of Bogdan Bogdanović as a complementary offensive piece, though Bogdanović remains clearly superior as an on-ball creator.


Median Outcome


A high-level seventh or eighth man on a playoff team.

The kind of rotation wing every contender wants because he fits alongside stars without requiring offensive possessions.


Floor


A bench shooter whose defense prevents him from playing consistently in playoff series.

I consider this outcome relatively unlikely because of his basketball IQ, professionalism, and understanding of team basketball.




NBA Scout Summary



Strengths

• Elite movement shooter
  
• Excellent off-ball basketball IQ
  
• NBA-ready frame
  
• Strong transition player
  
• Good positional size (6’7”)
  
• Highly competitive
  
• Proven performer against EuroLeague competition
  
• Fits seamlessly alongside ball-dominant stars
  

Weaknesses

• Limited self-creation
  
• Average first step
  
• Must prove he can consistently defend elite NBA wings
  
• Doesn’t consistently pressure the rim in isolation
  

Overall Projection

Category

Grade

Shooting
9.5/10
Off-ball movement
9.5/10
Basketball IQ
8.5/10
Athleticism
7.8/10
Defense
6.8/10
Ball handling
6.0/10
Creation
5.5/10
NBA readiness
8.8/10




Final Assessment


Tarik Biberović projects as a high-level NBA rotation wing whose value is driven by elite movement shooting, outstanding off-ball instincts, and a mature understanding of team offense. His shooting mechanics, conditioning, and basketball IQ should translate well, and the increased spacing of the NBA may actually enhance his offensive impact. While he is unlikely to become a primary shot creator, he has all the tools to develop into one of the league’s more valuable complementary wings—a player capable of closing games, contributing in playoff rotations, and thriving next to high-usage stars. His long-term projection is a top-seven rotation player with the upside to become a reliable starter on the right roster.

[windjc]

Biber was knocking down SL 3s way behind the line 2-3 years ago. Shooting is what he does. Can he do the rest? If the team gets 10 points a game from him it’s a win.

[cow]

A couple of times...not really. I thought he was better than he was in game one.

If he keeps this up, we'll not even need to give him a 2-way and he can just play on our G-League team. woof

[Chicagojk]

We are definitely building up Tarik so much as a fanbase that I now feel he has no chance to live up to it. He may end up a worse shooter in the NBA than Poulakidas or Max or Sergio even. Not saying it’s likely or whatever. Just that the expectations are borderline impossible for him to live up to right now.

We should probably tamper our expectations on Tarik.   At his low salary and the current make of the roster, I have trouble seeing him getting a lot of minutes early.   There just isn't minutes unless 1-2 guys are eventually moved out.  Even Johnson could start the season with 15-20 minutes.    Things can change before the season and during the season, but at the moment Tarik has established players with bigger contracts in front of him.

[Winter]

Actually, I'm fine as long as Tarik plays. It's all about the spacing and the threat of perimeter shooting. I don't need to him average 14 PPG. I just need his reputation to alert our opponents to guard him.

[Chicagojk]

probably a good learning experience for Morez with the fouls.  I thought there were way too many fouls called on both teams and ruined the flow for the game.   Still though, Morez is so physical that he is going to be a magnet for fouls early on if he doesn't remain disciplined.   Similar to what we Lively experienced early.  It is a skill being physical but knowing what you can get away with is a skill.

[meistermatze]

Morez reminds me of Ayton, but in a good way, because he has what Ayton is lacking: a motor. His mid-range touch already looks very promising, and I think he has all the tools to become a really good NBA player. The way people around the team are talking about him is encouraging as well. I'm really excited to see how he develops. Imagine if we've already found one of Coop's future running mates.

I was a big fan of Nembhard, but after these two games... I don't know, man.

I also like Sergio and Ischenko. I'm not sure they're ready yet, but both have something intriguing about them. Ischenko is very physical and always seems to get a hand on rebounds. I really like that. Sergio has excellent vision and is a great passer, so I'm excited to see how both of them develop.

Obviously, you can toss all the rest in the garbage. Poulakidas as well. If his shot isn't falling, he provides NOTHING. Literally 0,0.