The Dallas Mavericks have had a disappointing preseason campaign, losing all three games. However, amidst all the struggles, there is one young player who has been turning heads and earning praises from his teammates. His name is Jazian Gortman, a 21-year-old point guard who left high school early to pursue his NBA dream.
Gortman’s teammate, Daniel Gafford, had nothing but glowing words to say about him, “He’s just real energetic. He brings a lot of energy… He’s always ready to go.” This is high praise coming from a seasoned player like Gafford, who has been in the league for four years.
But who exactly is Jazian Gortman? And why is he garnering so much attention in the Mavericks’ camp? Let’s take a closer look at this rising star.
Gortman grew up in Decatur, Georgia, and has been playing basketball since he was five years old. He attended Southwest DeKalb High School, where he quickly made a name for himself as a standout point guard. In his junior year, Gortman averaged 21.4 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game, leading his team to a 23-8 record.
However, Gortman’s journey to the NBA was not a smooth one. In his senior year, he faced some academic challenges, which made it difficult for him to graduate on time. But instead of giving up on his dream, Gortman made the bold decision to leave high school early and enroll in a prep school to improve his grades and focus on basketball.
This decision paid off when Gortman received a scholarship offer from the University of Arkansas. He spent two years playing for the Razorbacks, where he continued to showcase his skills as a dynamic point guard. In his sophomore year, Gortman averaged 9.4 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game, and was named to the SEC All-Freshman team.
After two successful years in college, Gortman declared for the 2021 NBA Draft. Despite not being selected in the draft, he caught the attention of the Dallas Mavericks, who signed him to a two-way contract. This means that Gortman will split his time between the Mavericks and their G-League affiliate, the Texas Legends.
But Gortman’s journey to the NBA didn’t end there. In the summer league, he impressed the Mavericks’ coaching staff with his speed, athleticism, and playmaking abilities. He averaged 7.7 points, 3.3 assists, and 2.7 rebounds in three games, earning himself a spot on the Mavericks’ preseason roster.
In the preseason, Gortman has continued to impress, averaging 7.3 points, 3.3 assists, and 2.3 rebounds in just 14.7 minutes per game. He has shown a natural feel for the game, making smart decisions on the court and displaying his impressive passing skills.
But what sets Gortman apart from other young players is his relentless work ethic and determination to succeed. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, he never gave up on his dream of playing in the NBA. And now, he is making the most of every opportunity given to him, proving that hard work and perseverance can lead to success.
Gortman’s journey to the NBA may have been unconventional, but it is a testament to his dedication and passion for the game. And at just 21 years old, he has already shown that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
As the Mavericks gear up for the regular season, Gortman’s role on the team is still uncertain. But one thing is for sure; he has already made a strong impression on his teammates and coaches. Head coach Jason Kidd has praised Gortman for his energy and willingness to learn, saying, “He’s a sponge. He takes everything in, and he’s not afraid to ask questions.”
With his impressive skill set and positive attitude, Gortman has the potential to become a valuable asset to the Mavericks in the future. And as he continues to develop and grow, there is no telling how far he can go in the NBA.
In conclusion, Jazian Gortman is a young player with a bright future ahead of him. His journey to the NBA may have been unconventional, but it