Preseason Game 2: Utah Jazz (2-0) vs. Dallas Mavericks (0-1) | 7:00pm CST

[Chicagojk]

The voice of reason. Such a downer.

But your expectations for the 15th spot on the roster may be a bit high. Someone who might contribute in a pinch AND might develop into a quality piece—that’s not bad for seat 15. 

Further, Gortman seems different from a rando G-Leaguer to me. (Admittedly, this may be because I’m not very aware of what the G-League has to offer.)

Here’s my case for G-man to break out of that league:

1. He’s sooooooo young. Skipped his senior year of HS to turn pro and join the GL. No surprise he failed to impress as the equivalent of a high schooler playing up. Year 2 his stats look like a kid who is starting to show out but isn’t quite a star. Potential for sure. But how much real coaching has he even had?

2. It’s 2 games outta 2. Sure, that’s a really small sample size. And nobody’s scouted his weaknesses. But inconsistency is to be expected from youngsters. And he can suck the next 4 outings and still be considered on pace (2/6) to develop into something valuable. 

3. The kid defends. Not tall, no. But looks to have extra-long arms and more quicks than anyone else on the court. His rep is 100% defense. If the outside shot starts falling—and it sure looks like it may have—his value skyrockets. 

4. Great fit. As you noted, there’s a hole to fill with Exum sidelined. And I haven’t seen any of the new guys pick up full-court and harass a ball handler like Gortman can. That’s a tool which might come in handy on the deep bench. 

5. Potential asset. A young kid on the most friendly of contracts who could turn into something somebody else wants? That’s not a bad gamble right there. A better one than any of the 3-way fellas in my opinion.

Will it all come crashing down next game come Monday night? Possibly. But as long shots go, I rather like this one. Looks a lot like a saner version of Dennis Schroeder to me. (Less ass, more harass.)

I don't think he is in contention for a NBA roster spot and I think he would jump salivating for a two way spot.  That is what he is fighting for I believe.   Brandon Williams not playing the first two games certainly gave him an opportunity.   I don't think you need to keep both for a two way.    Both are point guards.   Williams is about to be 25 and Gortman is 21.   If you think they are close or will be in a year, it would be wise to bet on the younger player imo.

You are right about his wingspan though. When we signed him this summer, I believe he has like a 6'9 wingspan. As you mention as well, he was highly recruited. a 5 star recruit and I believe one national service had him around 10 in his class. So he had the reputation. Now there are several reasons these type of guys fail, but good for the Mavs to see the rawness and invite him to summer league. Playing in Overtime Elite is almost a different sport to NBA basketball. Even trying to find a footing in the G-league is different. So you will need to be patient, let him mature and break the bad habits.