Kylor Kelley’s Rise: From G League to NBA with Dallas Mavericks

Kylor Kelley, a 27-year-old center from Gervais, Oregon, has signed a two-way contract with the Dallas Mavericks. He previously played for the South Bay Lakers in the NBA G League, where he averaged 11 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. Kelley is set to make his first NBA start against the Cavaliers.

Kylor Kelley, a promising young center from Gervais, Oregon, has made a significant leap in his basketball career. After a stellar performance in the NBA G League with the South Bay Lakers, Kelley has signed a two-way contract with the Dallas Mavericks. This move marks the first of the 2024-25 campaign for South Bay and the 53rd overall in franchise history.
Kelley’s journey to the NBA began with his collegiate career at Oregon State, where he was named to the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team in both 2019 and 2020. He then played for the Maine Celtics, Raptors 905, and Austin Spurs in the G League, showcasing his defensive prowess. In the 2023-24 season with the Maine Celtics, Kelley earned NBA G League All-Defensive honors by averaging a league-best 2.9 blocks per contest.
With the South Bay Lakers this season, Kelley appeared in 23 games (20 starts), averaging 11.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 2.5 blocks in 27.5 minutes. He recorded double-digit rebounds in six games and had multiple blocks in 14 games, including a career-high-tying eight rejections.
Kelley’s first NBA start is set for Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, as the Mavericks face a formidable frontcourt. Despite the injuries to key centers like Anthony Davis and P.J. Washington, Kelley is ready to step up and contribute to the team’s success.

1. What is Kylor Kelley’s background?
   Kylor Kelley is a 27-year-old center from Gervais, Oregon. He played college basketball at Oregon State and has played in the NBA G League for various teams.
2. What were his stats with the South Bay Lakers?
   Kelley averaged 11.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 2.5 blocks in 27.5 minutes across 23 games (20 starts) with the South Bay Lakers.

3. Why did the Dallas Mavericks sign him?
   The Mavericks signed Kelley due to a critical mass of center injuries, including those to Dereck Lively II, Dwight Powell, and Maxi Kleber.

4. What defensive honors has Kelley received?
   Kelley was named to the NBA G League All-Defensive Team in 2023-24 after leading the league in blocks per game (2.86) and total blocks (83).

5. When is Kelley’s first NBA start?
   Kelley is set to make his first NBA start on Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Kylor Kelley’s journey from the G League to the NBA is a testament to his hard work and defensive skills. With his first NBA start approaching, Kelley is poised to make a significant impact on the Dallas Mavericks’ roster despite the challenges ahead.