Mavericks To Sign NBADL Player After One of Their Own Refuses Assignment

Iowa Energy guard Chris Wright will finally be getting that coveted NBA call-up, as the floor general is reportedly set to sign with the Dallas Mavericks.

Wright has been one of the few bright spots on an Energy squad that has otherwise failed to meet expectations this season. The way he's been able to see the floor and run the show for Iowa has been nothing short of phenomenal. Still, just like the NBA, perhaps the D-League values winning more than anything else when it comes to All-Star Game selections. Despite his own stellar play, it took an injury to an already selected player to help Wright earn a spot on the team as a replacement.

The Georgetown alum is one of the more rarer pure floor generals still out there. He thrives on being able to set up his teammates. That fact that Iowa lacks somewhat of a more balanced roster perhaps gives Wright even the more credibility, due to the fact that he was able to succeed with what he was given, and made his teammates look better in the process.

But whereas Wright was willing to get down and dirty in the NBA D-League for a few months to further prove his worth, one of the Mavericks' resident young guns wasn't exactly willing to do the same. A door will open in Dallas for Wright because the team recently waived Dominique Jones.

A former 2010 first-round draft selection, Jones will leave the Mavericks with a championship ring on his finger, though without much playing time to speak of, after three seasons in Dallas. Having played sparingly this season, the guard is said to have refused a D-League assignment with the Texas Legends (the Mavs' NBADL) prior to his release.

A stint in the D-League would not only have meant some more opportunities to get some burn on the court, but also simply staying employed with a contract on a team that is making a push towards the playoffs. Instead, the rest of Jones' season is now in jeopardy. Released following the cut off date, the guard can no longer join a playoff contender and still be eligible for the postseason.

Of course, Jones can still sign with any other team. Still, it's unlikely that a playoff contender would want to take a chance on him at this point if a) he's had his fair share of ups and downs in Dallas, and/or b) he won't be able to play in the postseason anyway.

Looking ahead, if Jones preferred not to play in the D-League, will joining a franchise's Summer League team this coming July also be beneath him? Only time will tell if Jones will have to now wait closer to training camp to catch on with another team once again.

With Jones out of the picture, Wright will reportedly join the Mavericks on a 10-day contract.