Photo: Washington Wizards/X

With Kyrie Irving ruled out for the remainder of the season, the Dallas Mavericks are expected to use the rest of the year as an evaluation period, Mike Curtis writes for the Dallas Morning News.

Dallas has five players headed for unrestricted free agency this summer, and one newcomer making a strong case for a longer stay is Marvin Bagley III, who joined the team in the Anthony Davis trade with Washington.

“He’s a really good player,” coach Jason Kidd said of the former No. 2 overall pick.

“He’s a grown-up and understands the NBA game a little bit. Sometimes it takes time. We all want it to happen overnight. I think the coaching staff, the media, everyone that’s been on this road trip or with him, has made him comfortable and you can see the way he’s playing.”

In six games with Dallas, Bagley has averaged 13.5 points and 8.8 rebounds off the bench, recording three double-doubles.

Curtis notes that his energy on the offensive glass, 3.7 offensive rebounds per game, has stood out, giving the Mavericks a different type of big man alongside Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford.

According to Curtis, Bagley has yet to find a team fully committed to him long term, but a deal to keep him in Dallas as a reserve center could make sense for both sides.

The former Duke standout has played 8 seasons for 5 teams, including the Kings and Wizards. He has averaged 11.8 points and 6.5 rebounds in 334 regular-season games.