Texas Legends GM Terry Sullivan Previews Season: Mavs Camp Insights, New Talent, and Draft Prep
Mason Schwaber /October 8, 2024
As we approach the 2024-25 season, anticipation is building around the Texas Legends. General Manager Terry Sullivan has been busy on and off the court, crafting a roster that he believes can bring both excitement and skill to Frisco.
When discussing the Mavericks’ training camp, Sullivan was excited, “The depth of the Mavs has really stood out,” he shared, noting how this could mean a shake-up for players used to seeing heavy minutes. For the Legends, though, this depth is promising news. Some of those players might just trickle down to the G League, giving the Legends a roster packed with talent. Sullivan was also quick to spotlight the Exhibit 10 players—Emanuel Miller, Jamarion Sharp, and Jazian Gortman—and how seamlessly they’ve blended in with the Mavs team. “The goal is always to help find and develop talent for the Mavericks,” he emphasized, showing his dedication to building not only a competitive Legends squad but a valuable pipeline of talent for Dallas.
Olivier Maxence-Prosper, the Mavs forward who is entering his sophomore season, has really caught Sullivan’s eye. “He’s gotten a lot better throughout his time with us,” Sullivan said, "we’re super pleased with his progress." And he wasn’t shy in praising A.J. Lawson, either. Sullivan described Lawson’s journey as a testament to grit and hard work, adding, “He’s earned everything throughout his career. I’m excited to see what he’ll bring this season.”
In speaking about the two-ways, Sullivan talked about the offseason signing of Kessler Edwards. Edwards, who was previously with the Sacramento Kings, recently sprained his ankle and has been "getting all of his treatment and rehab, and hopefully he'll be ready soon." Brandon Williams, who is also on a two-way contract with the Mavericks, really impresses Sullivan. "He's another guy who, if you're watching him in the G League, you can tell how talented he is. He's just a pure scorer. He really is one of the best and definitely in the G League, and he just needs a chance to prove it in the NBA." Williams has averaged over 20 points per game throughout his G League career.
As stated before, the Legends recently acquired Phillip Wheeler and Jazian Gortman returning player rights. Sullivan had nothing but high words for both of these talented athletes. When it came to Wheeler, he discussed that "he's a guy who's been kind of pigeonholed as a 3 and D player, and I think he's got a little more to him than that. I think his offensive perimeter skills have really improved a lot over the last few years." As far as it goes for Gortman, acquiring his returning player rights is a move that ensures he’ll still be in the Mavs organization, should he be cut in Mavs Training Camp. “He's young, he's athletic, he's long, and can really play defense." It was added that he impressed Sullivan as well at the NBA Summer League.
With the G League draft coming up on October 26th, we asked Sullivan about what kind of preparation goes into that and what the behind-the-scenes looks like. He mentioned that he had been in the Mavericks draft room in past years and said it can be just as hectic in the Legends. "It's a pure scouting event. There's no mock drafts on ESPN, and you know, news breakers, putting out information that is meant for teams to digest."
Two days after the G League draft, the Legends will begin their training camp. Sullivan stated that there are many drills and more the Legends use to implement in their camp that the Mavericks also have at their annual camp. "Coach Sears and his assistants have been in the Mavs practice gym the last several weeks, helping out with workouts and getting in the gym with the guys." Sullivan also added that Coach Sears is in Las Vegas at the Mavericks camp, learning more about schemes and drills from Coach Kidd and the staff.
Lastly, we asked Sullivan about the Texas Legends open tryouts held last month and if any players had been selected to attend the Legends training camp. "There are two, as of now, possibly three, that will come to training camp from the local player tryout."
This season will be nothing but pure excitement for the Texas Legends as they look to bring success to not only their team but also the Dallas Mavericks organization.