Sergio De Larrea isn't just turning heads in Vegas; he's forcing Dallas Mavericks head coach Dusty May to completely rethink his regular season plans. This kid, supposedly the "other" first-rounder, just dropped a franchise Summer League record 12 assists on Monday, powering the Mavs to a 96-88 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. He looked less like a rookie and more like a seasoned NBA veteran running the point, and it’s creating a real (good) problem for the coaching staff.
This Kid Plays Like a Vet, Not a Rookie
De Larrea completely took over that Monday game, notching a monster 16-point, 12-assist double-double. Talk about efficiency! He went 3-of-7 from the field, buried a pair of three-pointers, and hit all six of his free throws. Summer League coach Joe Boylan couldn't stop praising the 20-year-old Spanish guard's poise, noting how De Larrea plays wise beyond his years, even against aggressive defenders. Boylan highlighted his natural instincts, pointing out his sharp pick-and-roll decisions and sweet touch on lob passes, plus the rookie stayed calm even when his shot wasn't falling. When you consider he's already got pro reps with Valencia in Spain, it's no wonder the Mavs look like they found an absolute steal at 25. He's stringing together big performances back-to-back, and the buzz isn't just outside noise.A Good Problem for Coach May
Initially, new Mavs head coach Dusty May had his eyes locked on top-10 pick Morez Johnson Jr., the Michigan Wolverines big man he coached in college. Johnson Jr. was clearly "his guy" in Dallas. But De Larrea's brilliant display this summer will definitely force May to think again. This sets up a fascinating battle for the regular-season backup point guard minutes behind Kyrie Irving. Ryan Nembhard, who also looked great this summer (only missing the Grizzlies game because he was sick), is right there too. Since both guards play the same role, one of them will eventually have to yield minutes to the other. May doesn't have to make that call just yet, since we're still talking Summer League games, but the positional size, elite court vision, and sheer poise De Larrea brings means a fascinating rotation puzzle is waiting for October. The battle for that backup point guard spot behind Kyrie Irving is going to be absolutely wild to watch unfold as the regular season gets closer. This kid means business!This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.