Mavericks Take a Chance on Auburn’s Miles Kelly — Is This the NBA’s Next Undrafted Success Story?
Dallas, TX — The Dallas Mavericks have made an intriguing offseason move, signing Auburn standout Miles Kelly to a two-way contract — a decision that could prove to be one of the hidden gems of this NBA summer.
At 6’6″, Kelly turned heads during his lone season with the Tigers, showcasing a rare combination of scoring ability, athleticism, and defensive versatility. Despite going undrafted, scouts have consistently pointed to his upside, with many believing the 21-year-old guard has the tools to make an immediate impact at the professional level.
Kelly averaged 15.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, shooting nearly 38% from beyond the arc — numbers that highlight his potential as a modern NBA wing. His smooth shooting stroke, ability to create off the dribble, and willingness to defend multiple positions align perfectly with the Mavericks’ long-standing need for depth and versatility on the perimeter.
“We see a lot of untapped potential in Miles,” Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison said in a press release. “His work ethic, size, and shot-making ability give him a real chance to carve out a role on this roster. We’ve seen it before — players overlooked on draft night who blossom in the right environment. We believe Dallas can be that place for him.”
The Mavericks have a history of unearthing undrafted talent, and with their current focus on building around Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, finding cost-effective, high-upside contributors is essential.
For Kelly, this opportunity represents both validation and motivation. “I’ve always bet on myself,” he told reporters. “Not hearing my name on draft night hurt, but I’m ready to work, prove people wrong, and show I belong in this league.”
With Summer League approaching, all eyes will be on Kelly to see if he can follow in the footsteps of undrafted success stories like Fred VanVleet, Jose Alvarado, and Austin Reaves — players who turned disappointment into NBA relevance.
The question now lingers across NBA circles: Is Miles Kelly the league’s next great undrafted surprise?
Only time will tell — but in Dallas, belief is already building
