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Mavericks Quietly Add NBA Veteran, Impresses in Debut

Jeremiah Robinson-Earl

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Jeremiah Robinson-Earl during his time with the New Orleans Pelicans in April 2025

The Dallas Mavericks quietly added frontcourt depth on Thursday, and the early return on that decision quickly stood out.

Dallas signed veteran forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl to a 10-day hardship contract as injuries continue to thin the roster.

The Mavericks qualified for the exception after Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II and Dante Exum missed at least three consecutive games and are expected to remain sidelined for two more weeks each.

With limited options and little margin for error, the move was designed to stabilize a depleted rotation rather than chase long-term upside.

While the signing drew minimal attention around the league, Robinson-Earl wasted no time justifying the call.

Dallas Mavericks Get Immediate Return From Low Key Addition

Inserted into the rotation immediately, Robinson-Earl delivered exactly what Dallas needed. With Cooper Flagg, Max Christie, P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford also appearing on the injury report, his energy and physicality helped steady line-ups that were stretched thin.

In 21 minutes, Robinson-Earl finished with 12 points, seven rebounds and two steals, shooting 5-of-8 from the field and knocking down two three-pointers as the Mavericks cruised past the Utah Jazz, 144-122.

The 6-foot-9 forward was with Dallas during training camp this past off-season before being waived in October.

He later joined the Indiana Pacers on two 10-day contracts that became a two-year non-guaranteed deal, appearing in 17 games and averaging 4.6 points and 5.2 rebounds before being waived in December.

The Mavericks’ G League affiliate, the Texas Legends, acquired Robinson-Earl’s player rights shortly after, keeping him in the franchise’s eco-system. A decision that has already paid dividends.

The 25-year-old has appeared in 215 NBA games across stops with the Oklahoma City Thunder, New Orleans Pelicans, Pacers and Mavericks, building a reputation as a dependable, low maintenance contributor.

Robinson Earl Continues to Earn Trust Through Readiness

Robinson-Earl’s production with the Legends made it easy to see why Dallas kept tabs on him.

In 11 G League games, he averaged 19.3 points, 11.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting 52.2% from the field, 34.7% from three and 94.4% at the free-throw line.

On January 9, he erupted for 29 points and 15 rebounds in a win over the Cleveland Charge, one of five 20 point performances during his stint. He also grabbed 21 rebounds in a single game in late December.

Those efforts did not go unnoticed by Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd, who had already taken a liking to Robinson-Earl during the preseason.

“When you look at what he does, he’s consistent,” Kidd said, via the Dallas Hoops Journal. “He comes to work every day and does his job. He can shoot it, he can pass it, he can defend. It’s really sad that he’s not on an NBA roster for whatever reason.”

Robinson-Earl credited his G League experience for keeping him ready when the call came.

“The Legends were great,” he said. “I think it was a great opportunity, a confidence booster, and an appreciation for what the NBA brings. Obviously it’s a different experience in the G League, but I’m just grateful for everybody down there and appreciate them for allowing me to come down there and be the best version of myself.”

Whether this opportunity leads to a second 10-day contract or something more remains to be seen. What’s already clear is that Robinson-Earl has checked the most important box of a hardship signing, stepping in seamlessly when needed.

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