Could Tobi Lawal be Derrick Jones Jr. 2.0?

Chris Dudenbostel of Mavs Moneyball examines whether Dallas Mavericks rookie forward Tobi Lawal can develop into an impactful athletic sparkplug similar to Derrick Jones Jr. Selected 48th overall in the draft out of Virginia Tech, the 6-foot-8 forward joined the Mavericks on a two-way contract for the 2026-27 season after recording a standout 45.5-inch vertical leap at the NBA Combine.

Dudenbostel argues that while Lawal boasts elite athleticism and rebounding instincts, his long-term rotation viability depends on offensive growth. Lawal shot only 25% from three-point range as a college senior, meaning refined shooting and ball handling are necessary to earn minutes under new head coach Dusty May amidst a crowded forward rotation.