Mavericks Makes Bold Move On Auburn’s Sharpshooter Miles Kelly — Could He Be the NBA’s Next Undrafted Success Story?
Dallas, June 27, 2025 — In the wake of a busy NBA Draft night, the Dallas Mavericks have quietly pulled off a savvy move: they’ve signed Auburn graduate guard Miles Kelly—a dead-eye shooter—to a coveted two-way contract. That makes Kelly, a 6-foot-6 wing known for his lethal three-point shooting, the latest addition to a promising Mavericks backcourt overhaul.
🔍 Who Is Miles Kelly?
• College journey across two conferences: A standout scorer at Georgia Tech and First-Team ACC honorable mention, Kelly averaged around 11–14 points per game over his first three collegiate seasons, highlighted by a jaw-dropping 36-point performance at Louisville .
• Auburn stand-out: After transferring, he propelled Auburn to a stellar 32–5 season and a Final Four appearance. In 38 games (36 starts), he averaged 11.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game, shooting a scorching 37.8% from beyond the arc—and an elite 90.9% from the free-throw line .
• Signature games: Kelly’s highlight reel includes a miraculous 30-point night against Kentucky (10-of-17 FG, 9-of-14 threes), and an NCAA Tournament burst with 23 points on 8-of-16 from deep .
🧩 Why Dallas Believes in Him
Shooting and spacing — Dallas is shoring up its perimeter after losing depth in the backcourt. Kelly’s rare combination of size (6’6″) and shooting prowess offers high-value floor spacing, a trait Dallas prioritized even earlier draft picks for .
Veteran IQ and polish — A seasoned college player with over 130 Division I starts across ACC and SEC play, Kelly arrives NBA-ready, capable of mastering spacing, off-ball reads, and defensive rotations.
Undrafted upside — Texas Legends head coach Jason Kidd has a keen eye for undrafted talent. The Mavericks have a track record of developing non-drafted players who spark off the bench (like Austin Reaves, signed by the Lakers in 2021)—Dallas is betting Kelly could follow that path .
🗓️ What’s Next?
Summer League showdown
Kelly will debut in Las Vegas, joining fellow two-way guard Ryan Nembhard and top pick Cooper Flagg. It’s a proving ground: these summer games are where Kelly can showcase his shooting range, decision-making, and defense against NBA-level talent .
Role in 2025–26
With roots in the G League (Texas Legends) and opportunities to step up during absences or in small-ball lineups, Kelly may carve out a hybrid role—stretch-4, 3-and-D wing, or secondary ball-handler.
Room for others
Dallas still holds one two-way slot and could add more depth post-Summer League, but Kelly’s full-season consistency and immediate fit shoot him to the front of the rotation queue .
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🔮 Is Kelly the Next Undrafted Star?
History says yes: quality shooters with size and discipline—like Duncan Robinson, Seth Curry, or Austin Reaves—have a real shot at becoming rotation anchors. Kelly’s statistical profile (11.3 PPG, 37.8% 3PT, 90.9% FT) aligns well with that mold .
Key factors that will determine his journey include:
1. Summer League performance – will he lead in catch-and-shoot efficiency and defensive reads?
2. Training camp / preseason – can he adapt quickly to NBA defensive schemes and execute off-ball principles?
3. G League pacing – will his rhythm—offensive and defensive—translate consistently at the pro level?
If Kelly delivers across those phases, Dallas could have found another undrafted gem—an affordable, high-impact role player to beautify their spacing and backcourt depth.
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Bottom line: The Mavericks’ decision to sign Auburn sniper Miles Kelly shows both strategic foresight and franchise belief in grit and ability over draft pedigree. Early indicators are promising—now it comes down to whether he can fire it up when it counts.
