Mavericks Sign Ex-Ivy League Tournament MVP to Two-Way Contract

Dallas hopes sharpshooting guard John Poulakidas can provide perimeter scoring boost amid injury woes.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 2:15am

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The Dallas Mavericks have signed Yale University product and former Ivy League Tournament MVP John Poulakidas to a two-way contract. Poulakidas, a 6-foot-6 guard, has been lighting up the G League this season with the San Diego Clippers, ranking second in three-pointers made. The Mavericks are hoping Poulakidas' shooting ability can help provide a much-needed perimeter scoring threat as the team navigates a roster ravaged by injuries.

Why it matters

The Mavericks have struggled mightily of late, dropping 11 of their last 13 games and suffering six consecutive home losses. Without rookie sensation Cooper Flagg and star guard Kyrie Irving, the team has lacked the perimeter shooting necessary to keep opposing defenses honest. Poulakidas' arrival could help provide a spark off the bench and open up more driving lanes for the Mavericks' remaining playmakers.

The details

Poulakidas is currently averaging 14.7 points per game in the G League while shooting 38.5% from three-point range. He has knocked down 96 three-pointers this season, just one less than the league leader. The Mavericks are hoping his specialized shooting ability and catch-and-shoot skills can translate to the NBA level and provide a much-needed boost to their struggling offense.

  • Poulakidas has been lighting it up for the San Diego Clippers in the G League this season.

The players

John Poulakidas

A 6-foot-6 guard who played at Yale University and was the former Ivy League Tournament MVP. He is currently second in the G League in three-pointers made this season.

Cooper Flagg

A rookie sensation for the Mavericks who has been sidelined due to injury.

Kyrie Irving

The Mavericks' star guard who has also been out with an injury, leaving the team short-handed on the perimeter.

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What’s next

If Poulakidas' G League success translates to the NBA stage, the 'King of the Ivy' might just find a permanent throne in the Dallas rotation.

The takeaway

The Mavericks are taking a low-risk, high-reward gamble on Poulakidas in hopes that his sharpshooting can provide a much-needed boost to their struggling offense and help keep defenses honest as the team navigates key injuries to its roster.