The injury bug continues to bite the Dallas Mavericks, and this time it’s forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper who’s been dealt a tough blow. The 2023 first-round pick has been diagnosed with ligament damage in his right wrist and is expected to undergo season-ending surgery. This is a big setback for both Prosper and the Mavericks, who have been leaning on their depth amid a grueling Western Conference playoff race.
Prosper’s injury comes just as he was starting to find his groove in the Mavericks’ rotation. Over his last 24 games, he averaged 5.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 16.3 minutes per game, even earning four starts. His ability to bring energy on both ends of the floor was beginning to stand out, and his development was a bright spot for Dallas.
Selected in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft, Prosper was seen as a promising two-way player with size, athleticism, and defensive potential. While his offensive game is still evolving, his hustle, rebounding, and defensive versatility made him a valuable piece off the bench for the Mavericks.
With Prosper now likely sidelined for the rest of the season, the Mavericks will need to dig even deeper into their bench. It also puts more pressure on their star players to stay healthy and carry the load as they push for playoff positioning.
For Prosper, the focus now shifts to recovery and rehab. While his rookie season didn’t go exactly as planned, the flashes he showed this year prove there’s plenty of potential to build on. Mavericks fans will no doubt be looking forward to seeing him back on the court, stronger and better than ever next season.
