The Dallas Mavericks are still working to stay afloat as a string of injuries has derailed their roster, particularly at the forward and center positions. Key players like Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively, and most notably Anthony Davis remain sidelined due to injuries sustained weeks ago.

Davis, after a stellar first-half performance in his Mavericks debut, suffered an adductor strain and had to leave the game early. The current plan is for him to be reevaluated on March 6, while Lively and Gafford also continue their rehabilitation efforts to return for the critical stretch of the season.

In the meantime, on Saturday, the Mavericks bolstered their frontcourt depth by agreeing to a two-way deal with former first-round pick and Texas Longhorns star Kai Jones. Jones has shown flashes of significant talent, though off-court issues have led to some inconsistencies in just his third season in the NBA.

Jones stands at 6-foot-11 and is known for his athletic frame, with the ability to stretch the floor. However, his opportunities have been limited and short-lived since being selected 19th overall by the Charlotte Hornets.

He spent just two seasons with the Hornets before leaving the NBA to play in another pro league. He later returned to the NBA and played with the Los Angeles Clippers last season.

USA: LA Clippers forward Kai Jones (23) reacts against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at Intuit Dome.

© Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

In 95 career games, Jones has averaged 2.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks per game while shooting 60% from the field and 21.7% from three. Now, he’ll have another opportunity with a Mavericks team that could use his size and versatility over the coming weeks.

Dallas has lost three of its last four games and now sits at 32-29, ranking 10th in the Western Conference—just inside the final play-in spot, with only 21 games remaining in the regular season.