Legends' Jordan Walker Explodes for 43 Points; Mavs Two-Way Contract Candidate?

When it comes to the Dallas Mavericks’ G League affiliate, the Texas Legends, most eyes have been on Olivier-Maxence Prosper, who has spent a lot of time developing his game in Frisco this season after being the No. 24 overall pick in last year’s draft. Before being called up to the Mavs on Wednesday, the 6-8 forward put up 26 points (3-4 from deep) and eight rebounds in a win over the G League Ignite.

However, Prosper isn’t the only intriguing talent in Frisco, as Jordan “Jelly” Walker continues to impress with his scoring prowess. On Wednesday, in another game against the G League Ignite, Walker exploded for 43 points, seven rebounds and seven assists while shooting 14-26 from the field and 7-17 from deep in the Legends’ win.

In 20 games played for the Legends, Walker is averaging 21.5 points, 4.9 assists and 1.1 steals in just 28.0 minutes per game. His efficiency is what has been the most impressive part of his stint in Frisco, though, as he’s shooting 47.0 percent from the field, 41.6 percent on an eye-popping 9.5 attempts from deep per game, and 90.2 percent from the free-throw line. Walker also has a 66.1 true-shooting percentage this season.

At 5-11, Walker is considered a smaller guard, which is likely the main reason he hasn’t been signed to at least a two-way contract after going undrafted last summer. But the 24-year-old rookie plays bigger than his height, and his impressive efficiency shouldn’t be overlooked. If given the opportunity, Walker believes shooting numbers could translate well to the NBA level.

JELLY WILL TAKE THE FORTY PIECE!!!! PLS & THANK YOU. 🍗 🍟

43 PTS | 7 REB | 7 AST

🎥 @jellyfam_j: pic.twitter.com/cAkHWtUMo4
— Texas Legends (@TexasLegends) February 29, 2024

“I absolutely know for a fact it would translate,” Walker told DallasBasketball.com on Thursday. “Shooting is one thing that every NBA team needs no matter what. In basketball in general you have to be able to shoot the ball, especially as a guard.”

As things currently stand, the Mavs have all three of their two-way contract slots filled with A.J. Lawson, Greg Brown III and Brandon Williams. Given that Dallas still has an open roster spot, there has been speculation about the team potentially converting Lawson to a standard contract — assuming they don’t sign another player on the buyout market — which would open up a two-way slot.

“If I were to get a two-way or a standard contract, I know for a fact I would be able to [shoot the ball well],” Walker said. “I work extremely hard, which is why I’m able to shoot like that [consistently]. The crazy part is we don’t have a gym we can go to 24/7, so being in the NBA and having access to a gym any time of day, I think I’d be able to shoot it even better in my opinion.”

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Walker hopes he will eventually be able to make the jump to the Mavs’ roster at some point, but for now, he’s just focused on controlling what he can control, which is “dominating” G League competition with the Legends.

“I definitely feel like I’m making a statement with the numbers I’m putting up,” Walker said. “Because I feel as if it shows I’m dominating at this level.”

We’ll be keeping an eye on what the Mavs do with their final roster spot in the near future, as that could determine whether or not Walker gets consideration for a promotion.