'A Lot of Progression': Melvin Ajinça Focused on Growth, Efficiency in Second Summer League with Mavericks

Even while based in Europe, Ajinça maintained communication with the Mavericks’ staff throughout the year. He said those check-ins helped push him to keep growing, particularly in specific areas like shooting and defense—two elements he feels have improved the most.

“Shooting and defense, of course,” Ajinça said of the areas he’s grown. “And now I’m just trying to do my best, help my teammates, and play better every day.”

Coaches Notice Growth, Communication

Mavericks Summer League head coach Josh Broghamer has been pleased with Ajinça’s energy, versatility, and mindset, especially his ability to make an impact without needing the ball.

“He’s a competitor,” Broghamer said. “He plays hard, defends multiple positions, and doesn’t need the ball to make an impact. He’s been vocal too—not something you always expect early on from international guys, but Melvin’s been locked in.”

Now entering his second Summer League with Dallas, Ajinça has a firmer grasp on what to expect—and what the Mavericks are looking for.

“It’s my second time, so I know the atmosphere a little bit now,” he said. “This time, I just want to do my best to help my teammates and gain experience. That’s the goal.”

While he’s not putting a timetable on when he’ll be fully NBA-ready, Ajinça says he approaches each day with intensity and focus, knowing that the margins are small.

“I think I have a lot of things to learn,” he said. “But I stay ready every day. I work hard. I try to get better with all the little details—offensively, defensively—and I know that’s what will make the difference.”

Modeling After Teammates and EuroLeague Veterans

Ajinça has been working closely with top overall pick Cooper Flagg during Summer League practices and scrimmages. The opportunity to learn from a highly versatile player has added another dimension to Ajinça’s development.

“He’s a great player, for sure,” Ajinça said. “I’m not going to lie—I can learn a lot from him. He’s a hustler, he’s versatile, he can shoot, and he plays great defense. Everybody can learn from him. He’s still young, so he can improve a lot too.”

While Ajinça hasn’t had many direct conversations with fellow European players about the transition to the NBA, he’s constantly observing how they approach the game.

“I just watch—how they move, how they act on the court and off the court, the mentality,” he said. “That’s how I learn. It’s better for me to focus on those details and keep improving.”

During his season with ASVEL, one player stood out as an example: Andreas Obst, a steady shooter and defender who brought a professional mindset to every practice and game.

“From Bayern Munich, Andreas Obst—he’s a great shooter, plays defense, makes plays. That’s the type of player I have to learn from,” Ajinça said. “He helped me a lot with my progression.”

Staying Committed to the Work

Ajinça’s love for the game is clear, but when asked what keeps him motivated to keep improving, his answer is short and to the point.

“Details,” he said with a smile. “That’s everything.”

Ajinça will not be focused on rushing to the NBA. He’s taking the long view and investing in his development with the Mavericks and wherever his path takes him next.

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