The Dallas Mavericks lost to the Memphis Grizzlies in their preseason opener. However, Luka Doncic and Co. might just have found a solid guard in Jazian Gortman. With Brandon Williams sidelined because of an injury, a window of opportunity opened for the young hooper. South Carolina’s top basketball product of the class of 2022, a 5-star prospect, was called to rise to the occasion. 

Jazian Gortman has been impressive since his high school days. An alum of W.J. Keenan in Columbia, South Carolina, Gortman averaged 23.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.3 steals per game. While he was South Carolina’s top prospect, as if that wasn’t enough for his resume, he was also ranked #2 among the top point guards in the nation by Rivals.

A lucrative way to turn pro showed up and Gortman couldn’t pass up on it. He signed with Overtime Elite (OTE), a brand new league that wanted hoopers for their inaugural season. The league was sponsored by Overtime Media and guaranteed each athlete $100,000 a year. Wearing the YNG Dreamers kit in OTE, Gortman averaged 13.9 points, 3.9 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.5 steals during his time there. While these numbers are respectable, scouts were concerned about the 3.2 turnovers he averaged per game.

Having no takers at the 2023 NBA draft, Jazian later signed an Exhibit 10 contract for the Milwaukee Bucks but was waived before the 2023-24 season. Only if he could prove himself, a roster spot was up for grabs, as the Bucks at the time did not have a backup point guard. He got an opportunity in the G League with Wisconsin Herd and later on with Rip City Remix. In his time there at both clubs, he played 41 games averaging 9 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. However, from the looks of it, he’s finally got his break!

“I played pretty solid” – Jazian Gortman shows the hoops world what he’s capable of!

Jazian Gortman signed an Exhibit 10 contract worth the league minimum of $1.15 million with the Mavs in July. He was presented with his first opportunity later that month when the Dallas side played the Miami Heat in the Summer League. Regular starter, PG, Brandon Williams had a sprained shoulder. Gortman got to start and delivered. He started firing from the moment the whistle went off, 2 threes in quick succession put Heat on the backfoot as the score became 6-0!

The hooper ended the game with 19 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals. “I got to the rim, I got in the paint, I got some open threes from getting into the paint, and I played pretty fast in transition and really pushed the pace on offense. And on defense, I just hounded and made sure I stayed in front of my man and caused havoc.” Jazian Gortman speaking with Mavs.com.

The Mavs point guard heard praises from his teammates. “Jaz stepped up tremendously. He had a great game. He showed his capabilities.” said AJ Lawson. This performance inspires confidence in his abilities to step in and deliver. While Brandon Williams’ injury is nothing major, Mavs Summer League coach Jared Dudley can relax a bit.

“We definitely missed him, but Gortman came out and played well,” Coach Dudley said, not hiding his praise for the youngster. Game time is obviously important for any player and match sharpness, but Jazian Gortman, a selfless soul, intends to return to the court again. His performance against the Heat was a solid display and gives the Mavs a good backup Point Guard.