With both his parents being multiple-time All-Stars in Canada’s RSEQ, can their son achieve his NBA dream?  Olivier-Maxence Prosper will be looking to have more duties in his second season with the Dallas Mavericks. While the Mavs have considerable depth in their lineup, this season could serve as an opportunity for them to further develop him. But can he sur. everyone and become a regular rotation player who helps propel the Mavs to the top of the conference?

Prosper grew up in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. His father immigrated from Haiti to Montreal. He wore the colors of Academy Lake Forest in Illinois. Destiny led him to the Mexican capital, Mexico City, where he was recruited by the NBA Academy Latin America. During his time there, he played alongside another familiar name: Benedict Mathurin. Prosper, a highly promising player, was rated as a 4-star recruit.

In 2019, he committed to play for the Clemson Tigers, where he averaged 2.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 9.8 minutes per game as a freshman. However, Clemson faced a first-round exit in the NCAA tournament. Unhappy with the minutes and the first-round exit, he entered the NCAA transfer portal. Eventually, he joined the Marquette Golden Eagles. The Canadian’s impressive junior year was instrumental in guiding the Golden Eagles to a school-record 29 wins and their first-ever Big East Tournament title. Following this successful season, he declared for the 2023 NBA Draft.

A disappointing first season: can Olivier-Maxence Prosper live up to his promise?

He was the 24th pick in the 2023 NBA draft. Drafted by the Sacramento Kings, but was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, where he currently plays. He was selected as the 24th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings but was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, where he currently plays. He signed a four-year contract worth $13.9 million with the Mavs. Standing at 6’7″, weighing 230 pounds, and boasting a 7’1″ wingspan, he possesses intriguing potential. In his first season, he couldn’t make his mark on the court. He appeared for 40 games for the Mavs averaging only 8.4 minutes per game. His game time was mostly during blowouts. Finally, Prosper was assigned to play in the G league for the Texas Legends.

In the G League, he found more opportunities, playing 24 games for the Texas Legends. During this time, Prosper averaged 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, including an impressive 43 percent shooting from three-point range on 5.3 attempts per game.

Prosper was called up for the Summer League, sure it looked like he would be better prepared this time. However, he struggled offensively in the opener against the Utah Jazz. While Summer League coach Jared Dudley praised his defensive skills, he noted that Prosper needed to work on his offense. However, he showcased his potential during an NBA Summer League game against the Boston Celtics, where he scored 22 points and led the Mavs to victory alongside AJ Lawson.

Now with preseason, Prosper was called for the first time to start on Thursday against the Utah Jazz. He played in the frontcourt alongside Derek Lively. There is no ounce of doubt that the Canadian forward took advantage of this opportunity. He scored 10 points, 10 rebounds, and an assist for the Mavs in 33 minutes. With his build, he has the potential to develop into an athletic 3-and-D perimeter player. The key question remains: can he step up?