John Poulakidas

Poulakidas is an American guard who reached the NBA as an undrafted free agent in 2025 after a decorated four-year career at Yale, where he emerged as one of the Ivy League's premier shooters and clutch performers. He signed a two-way contract with the Dallas Mavericks and has contributed as a developmental backcourt piece.

Born John Michael Poulakidas on April 4, 2003, in Naperville, Illinois, he attended Neuqua Valley High School. As a junior, he averaged 17.5 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. He committed to Yale over offers from Minnesota, Wake Forest, and Rutgers.

After playing sparingly as a freshman, Poulakidas started every game as a sophomore and junior. In the first round of the 2024 NCAA tournament against Auburn, he scored 28 points and made six three-pointers, leading Yale to a 78-76 upset victory. He returned for his senior season and emerged as the team's leading scorer, averaging 19.4 points per game. He went undrafted in the 2025 NBA draft and signed a Summer League contract with the Los Angeles Clippers.

On March 3, 2026, Poulakidas signed a two-way contract with the Dallas Mavericks. He made his NBA debut that same day against Charlotte, playing 14 minutes and recording five rebounds and two assists. On April 12, he scored a career-high 28 points in a win over Chicago. He is of Greek descent, with grandparents from Sparta and Chios.

Poulakidas is a scoring guard with a smooth three-point stroke, clutch shooting ability, and a willingness to take on big moments. He operates off screens, relocates for catch-and-shoot opportunities, and has shown the ability to score in bunches against high-major competition. His defensive limitations are offset by his offensive firepower and basketball IQ.

Poulakidas enters each season working to secure consistent NBA rotation minutes after an undrafted start and a two-way contract. His trajectory from a Neuqua Valley junior to a Yale standout and an NCAA tournament hero reflects shooting excellence and a competitive drive that has carried him to the professional level.