In an effort to bolster their lineup around Cooper Flagg, Anthony Davis, and Klay Thompson while Kyrie Irving recovers from injury, the Dallas Mavericks have had a busy offseason.
The Mavericks signed D’Angelo Russell, extended PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford, and brought in Dennis Smith Jr. on an Exhibit 10 contract.
To make room for their additions, Dallas waived D’Moi Hodge, who spent the 2023-24 season with the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers’ organizations before spending last season in the Greek League.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 13: D’Moi Hodge #55 of the Los Angeles Lakers brings up the ball in front of Moses Moody #4 of the Golden State Warriors during a 129-125 loss to the Golden State Warriors in a preseason game at Crypto.com Arena on October 13, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks Demote D’Moi Hodge to G League
According to Spotrac’s Keith Smith, the Mavericks waived Hodge and immediately signed him to a G League deal, so he will spend the season playing stateside for the Texas Legends in Frisco.
Hodge spent last season playing for Aris Thessaloniki. In 34 games divided between the Greek and Euro Leagues, he averaged 6.6 points and 1.4 assists. He was not a good shooter, making only 27.9% of his shots from deep on a large diet, but he managed to rack up 1.4 steals per game.
Undrafted out of Missouri in 2023, Hodge signed a two-way deal with the Lakers, appearing in seven games before being waived. In limited appearances, he set a career-high five points against the San Antonio Spurs.
While playing in the G League for the South Bay Lakers and Rip City Remix, Hodge leaned into his strengths, which is perimeter defense, while being a servicable–but not great–shooter.
With Irving, Thompson, Russell, Jaden Hardy, Dante Exum, and Brandon Williams filling out the backcourt, it seems unlikely that Hodge will be promoted to the main club this season.
Texas Legends Are Looking for a Boost
Last season, the Legends won only eight games, good for second-to-last place in the G League Western Conference. After their unsuccessful season, only Jamarion Sharp, Jazian Gortman, Teafale Lenard, and Dakota Rivers remain on the roster from last season.
As the Mavericks suffered through injuries last season, Williams and Kessler Edwards were elevated to the roster from the G League, so the Mavericks were able to utilize their developmental team even if the Legends didn’t rack up wins.
As Hodge looks to keep his playing career afloat, a return to the NBA this season doesn’t seem to be in the cards, and Aris Thessaloniki did not have a successful season with him on the roster.
It’s worth noting that the Lakers waived him before trading him to Rip City during his rookie season. The Mavericks can be expected to make a similar move, or keep him in Frisco for the season to see if the Legends can make a turnaround.
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