Luke Kennard #10 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives against Jazian Gortman #00 of the Dallas Mavericks (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Jazian Gortman’s season has included meaningful stretches at the NBA and G League levels. After earning a two-way contract with the Dallas Mavericks out of training camp and preseason, the 22-year-old guard appeared in 16 games before being waived as the team faced a string of injuries at the center position. Still, Gortman’s development has hardly stalled.
Since rejoining the Mavericks’ G League affiliate, the Texas Legends, Gortman has continued to take strides. He’s averaged 20.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.8 assists across 21 regular-season games, playing 34.8 minutes per contest.
“Just working on getting a lot of pick-and-roll reps and reps on just running the team—getting people in their spots and making sure that, for the most part, we get a lot of good possessions on the offensive floor,” Gortman told RG. “Even on the defensive floor, just talking and communicating is something I’ve been trying to work on. I’ve been down here getting a lot of reps.”
Developing Through Reps and Mentorship
Gortman focuses on improving his execution in specific reads and offensive situations in Frisco, particularly in pick-and-roll, playing off the catch, and closeout reads.
“Another thing I’ve been working on is just reads—whether that’s pick-and-roll, off-the-catch reads, closeout reads—just all kinds of reads I’ve been focused on since I’ve been down here,” Gortman said. “I think those are the two biggest things.”
Regarding daily on-court development work, Gortman credits assistant coach Parker Hines for playing a significant role in his development with the Legends.
“It’s not even always about me hitting him—sometimes he’s the one hitting me, like, ‘You want to watch extra?’ And I’m like, ‘Yeah, let’s do that,’” Gortman said. “We’re always getting extra reps in on the things I know I have to work on in games—the shots I’m going to take, the reads I’m going to make. Just working on those extra, so by the time the game comes, I’m ready to make those decisions.”
“I thank Parker a lot because he’s been helping me the entire year, along with the other coaches, but I’ve really stuck with Parker,” he continued. “I’m just trying to see everything he’s reading—whether he’s sitting on the floor or on the bench as a coach. I’m always trying to pick his brain. He’s been a big help for me in my progress and progression.”
During Gortman’s stint with the Mavericks, he used the opportunity as a valuable learning experience, particularly in understanding the professionalism and consistency required at the NBA level.
“Just to always stay a pro and be consistent with your work,” Gortman said.
“Every game, every season, every year—it’s not always going to be how you want it or perfect. However you think it’s going to go, it might not go like that. But as long as you stay consistent with putting in the work and you know that the work you’re putting in is going to eventually show, then you’ll be in a good spot throughout the season or even in seasons to come.”
Gortman has also developed a strong relationship with star guard Kyrie Irving, who he admired from a young age and has continued to learn from throughout the season. Gortman continues to wear Irving’s ANTA signature shoe, something he has continued to do since his time with the Mavericks organization.
“I used to watch Kyrie a lot when I was younger,” Gortman said. “So just to get older and end up running into him, having an experience like I had with playing for the Mavericks, and being able to contact him, hit him up, ask him different questions—like how he sees the game, how he reads the game—it’s been incredible.
“I give him a lot of credit for even extending a hand and actually wanting to help the youth,” he added. “Because it’s not always like that with everybody, but he’s actually really helpful. I’ve been able to connect with him and learn what he’s seeing on the floor, and it’s been helping me a lot.”
Chemistry with Peers and Backcourt Leaders
In addition to learning from veterans, Gortman has stayed in close contact with younger teammates, including Brandon Williams and Jaden Hardy, continuing to pick their brains and stay connected to the Mavericks’ organization.
“I’ve been staying in contact with a few guys—mostly the younger ones,” Gortman said. “I talk to B-Will and Jaden Hardy. I’ve kept in touch with them, just checking in and asking questions about how things are going, what I can keep doing, and what I can keep working on.
Gortman has been impressed with Williams’ development and how he’s capitalizing on increased opportunity with the Mavericks while the team has dealt with mounting injuries. Since the All-Star break, Williams has continued to produce while adapting to increased responsibilities, averaging 16.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 27.2 minutes.
“I think the biggest thing with B-Will is just seeing how much he’s gotten better,” Gortman said. “You could break it down and talk about all the things he’s getting better at, but honestly, the first time I saw B-Will—this was three or four years ago—I already thought he was unstoppable. So now to see a player like that continue to get better, it just tells me he’s putting in the work.
“For me, it’s like—okay, I know he’s really working,” he explained.
“So to see him get an opportunity and actually show what he’s capable of doing, it’s been great to see.”
Among Gortman’s current teammates in Frisco, Zhaire Smith has also stood out since joining the Legends in a midseason trade from the Cleveland Charge. Smith, the former No. 16 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, has averaged 21.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.6 blocks in 36.3 minutes per game.
“He plays extremely hard,” Gortman said. “We’re always talking—turnover, missed shot, made shot, foul, whatever—we’re always communicating. He’s always asking me what I’m seeing on the floor, and I’m asking him what he’s seeing. He’s a good leader. He’s really vocal, and it helps to have another strong voice out there on the floor along with our other teammates. So it’s been good playing with him—he definitely makes things easier for me.”
As the G League season winds down, Gortman remains focused on continuing to grow his game, trusting that his steady development and consistent approach will lead to another opportunity at the NBA level.
Grant Afseth
