Dallas Mavericks Point Guard Jazian Gortman left high school for the pros. Gortman, 21, hails from Columbia, South Carolina, and attended W.J. Keenan in Columbia, S.C., averaging 23.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.3 steals per game. Gortman’s high school basketball games made him a five-star prospect for college basketball recruiting.
However, Gortman decided just days before his senior year to leave high school, turn pro, and forgo college. Gortman’s decision might’ve been questionable, but he eventually succeeded in the pros. Read on for more details on Gortman’s unexpected journey to the NBA.
Jazian Gortman Took An Unforeseen Path
Jazian Gortman took an unforeseen path to the NBA, but everything worked out. Gortman began his professional basketball career with the Overtime Elite’s YNG Dreamerz ahead of the 2022-23 OE season. Gortman’s first season averages were 13.9 points, 3.9 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game.
Jazian Gortman went undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft and signed with the Milwaukee Bucks for the 2023 NBA Summer League. He signed with the Bucks’ NBA G League affiliate, Milwaukee Herd, where he averaged 6.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game and appeared in 18 games.
The Herd traded Gortman to the Portland Trail Blazers’ G League affiliate, Rip City Remix, for shooting guard Malachi Smith. He played in 23 games and averaged 10.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. He then signed with the Dallas Mavericks for the 2024 NBA Summer League.
Gortman Can Make The Final Roster
Jazian Gortman’s offbeat journey to the NBA ultimately paid off. Gortman’s signing with the Dallas Mavericks on July 12, 2024, might be more than a short-term stopover. Gortman might make the Mavericks’ final roster, as Mavericks Power Forward Daniel Gafford hasn’t been counting him out.
Gafford told Mavs.com, “You’ve got to put your work in, and I’m pretty sure he knows that … Come in every day and put your head down and work hard. I’ve been in a situation trying to make a team. “I signed a contract, but I always felt like a target was on my back and now you’re trying to fight for a spot on the roster.
“Every day it’s a battle, every day it’s a war, and you’ve got to come in with the mindset of giving your best and trying to find ways to be a leader no matter if the ball is in your hands and without the ball in your hands. Gafford added, “Be vocal, be non-vocal … Lead by example, lead with your demeanor, your body language. He does that to a tee.”
Gortman’s Teammates Appreciate Him
Jazian Gortman’s impact on the Dallas Mavericks might be more than you think. Gortman’s teammates appreciate him and his efforts. For example, Daniel Gafford gave Gortman the nickname “Smooth Jazz” to pass down his college nickname and band skills at the University of Arkansas.
Jazian Gortman was passionate about his new nickname. He told Mavs.com, “(Daniel Gafford) gave me that nickname the other day … He said, ‘Man, they used to call me “Smooth Jazz,” so I’m going to pass that nickname down to you.’ I said, ‘Man, I appreciate it.'”
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