Of all the Dallas Mavericks players currently within the Disney World NBA bubble, Antonius Cleveland may be the most unknown. It’s not a household name like Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, and even Josh Reaves, who also has a two-way contract like Cleveland, gets more brilliance thanks to a fanatic following that started the Summer League last year.
Regardless of the award, Cleveland kept himself ready as he bounced around the NBA and the G League. Now in Orlando, he maintains the same approach to the game he has always adopted. His goal was to be ready and physically fit.
“I just wanted to make sure I was in the best shape,” said Cleveland. “I wanted to be in better shape than other people. In a way, I didn’t really take days off even when all this madness happened. I probably took a week off and after that I just wanted to stay active. I thought that if only I could stay fit, everything will take care of itself. I think it’s safe to say I did it. “
This is technically Cleveland’s second stint with the Mavericks. He signed a couple of 10-day contracts with Dallas in November 2017 and appeared in 13 games before being lifted in December. After a successful run with the Dallas Summer League team in Las Vegas last summer, the Mavericks signed him with a two-way contract in late July.
As two-way players do, Cleveland has spent much of the season in Frisco with the Texas Legends. He appeared in 36 games with the affiliate Mavericks G League, averaging 14.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists while firing 49.4% overall and 29.5% from deep.
In the bubble, it is his three-point shot that Cleveland is working to improve the most during practice. He worked extensively with Mavericks filming coach Peter Patton. The steps he is taking have attracted his coach’s attention.
“He’s shooting the ball better. I’m really impressed with this, “said Rick Carlisle.” Peter Patton has done a great job with him with his simplified technique, really getting his trust. “
Even if Carlisle sings his praises – he says Cleveland is “an elite basketball driver” and “plays very young” in terms of energy level – there is no guarantee that Cleveland, who is 26, will stop rotation when the NBA season resumes, even with some injured players. He has only played six games with the Mavs this season for a total of 22 minutes.
The life and struggle of a player in the league is something Carlisle can appreciate. Just like Cleveland, he bounced around the NBA and didn’t know if or when he would have his name called to join a game. It fascinated him by Cleveland’s decision.
“When I was a player in this league, I was fighting for my job really every single day,” said Carlisle. “The training camps were my Super Bowls. I am well aware of it, I am very familiar with it. I love his concentration and I love his commitment. “
Now, Cleveland has the opportunity to show what it can provide to the Mavericks as they prepare for the reboot. If everything aligns for him, Orlando could present the best opportunity in his short term in the NBA for Cleveland to make a name for himself. But he knows it won’t happen if he doesn’t work on it.
“I didn’t really think this was going to be my entire career,” said Cleveland. “I didn’t go to a big school in first person to go to the NBA from my college. So, I think my work ethic is what I support and continue to work, continuing to work until everything falls into place. ”
