The Dallas Mavericks have been dealing with not one but multiple issues, and all revolve around one thing: injury. Anthony Davis will need goggles for the entire season, and then there’s their infamous backcourt challenge. Star guard Kyrie Irving continues his recovery from an ACL injury suffered in March, leaving a substantial void in the team’s backcourt rotation. This situation has forced the front office to explore various options to bolster their guard depth ahead of the regular season, as D’Angelo Russell, Brandon Williams prepares to step up.

Dalano Banton, the 25-year-old guard coming from the Portland Trail Blazers, is expected to help the likes of Dante Exum and more.. The 6-foot-8 Canadian was originally drafted 46th overall in 2021 and has developed into a versatile backcourt option. His unique size for the guard position and improved playmaking skills make him an intriguing potential addition to any team’s rotation.

Underdog NBA took to X and posted a tweet that simply stated, “Dalano Banton has signed with the Mavs.” The Dallas Mavericks confirmed the signing on Tuesday morning, announcing they had waived training camp invitee Matthew Cleveland to create roster space. While specific contract details weren’t disclosed, reports indicate this is likely a non-guaranteed deal with Exhibit 9 or Exhibit 10 language. This type of contract provides flexibility for both the player and team as preseason evaluations continue.

Banton’s recent performance with the Trail Blazers has not been so great, as he averaged 8.3 points in 67 games last season. Of these, he got to start only 7 games under HC Chauncey Billups. The Blazers, too, didn’t have a great season last year, finishing 4th from the bottom in the Western Conference. But his stint wasn’t limited to the Blazers.

Starting his career with the Toronto Raptors, the Cornhuskers’ alum did get good minutes (10), given the fact that he started just 1 game, playing 64 matchups. So far, he has had 1463 points with an average of 6.8 points playing 216 games. Of these 200+ games, Banton shared the locker room with the 2023-24 NBA Champions, the Boston Celtics, for 24 games. Banking on all of this, the Mavericks hope his versatility can help ease concerns about their guard depth during Irving’s extended absence.

With Kyrie Irving’s skeptical message, Dallas turns to depth to stay afloat

The Dallas Mavericks will open the regular season in about two weeks without Kyrie Irving, who continues to recover from the ACL tear he suffered in March. While reports have hinted at encouraging progress, Irving used a recent Twitch stream to cool expectations. “There’s no timetable for when I’m coming back,” he said. “Please don’t badger me with any questions, guys. I’m going to be ready when I’m ready.”

Irving’s caution is understandable given the nature of ACL recoveries. Guards who rely on agility and burst like Zach LaVine and Derrick Rose have historically taken nearly a year to regain full confidence in their movements. Rose once explained the challenge perfectly, saying, “The biggest thing is after you have an ACL or any injury, it’s the mental part.” Irving appears to recognize that same reality, focusing on strengthening both body and mindset before returning to game action.

He also spoke candidly about his own struggles during the process. “I was dealing with not necessarily knowing whether or not I’m going to be back to where I was at,” Irving admitted, adding that he was “fueled by the next generation” to keep pushing through rehab. His remarks reflected both the uncertainty and motivation that define the comeback journey for elite athletes.

Until Irving returns, Dallas will look to D’Angelo Russell to steer the offense and newly added guard Dalano Banton to help fill the backcourt rotation. Banton joins a crowded but unproven group of guards competing for roster spots. He’ll battle with Brandon Williams, who has a partially guaranteed contract, and Dennis Smith Jr., whom the Mavs brought back on a one-year contract. The competition intensified when Williams strained his hamstring in camp, creating an immediate need for additional backcourt bodies.

The timing presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Banton, though. His late arrival at training camp puts him at a slight disadvantage, but the team’s injury situation could fast-track his integration. His performance in preseason games (if he gets games) will likely determine whether he secures a regular-season roster spot.

The Mavericks are taking a bandaid yet a long view, understanding that a fully healthy and confident Irving later in the season could be the difference between a playoff push and another early exit.