The Dallas Mavericks are in the NBA wilderness. After trading for Kyrie Irving last season, the Mavs could not even make the play-in games. Dallas finished with a regular season record of 38-44 that put the Mavericks in 11th place in the Western Conference.
Fortunately, Dallas ended up with two first-round picks that could help out this upcoming season.
Round 1, Pick 12: Dereck Lively II - C - Duke. 7'1", 230 lbs (5.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.4 bpg).
The offensive game of Lively II is basically dunks and put-backs, but he was drafted this high because of his defensive capabilities. He is not out of place on pick-and-roll defense, and he is a defensive presence in the paint. He should see plenty of time off of the bench this season because this team desperately needed defensive help.
Round 1, Pick 24: Olivier-Maxence Prosper - F - Marquette. 6'8", 230 lbs (12.5 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 33.9% 3-PT FG%).
Prosper can score in the post and can also hit a three from time to time. He should also see time off of the bench at power forward.
Overview: The Mavericks helped to fill the void of frontcourt depth with Lively II and Prosper. Grade: C+.
Comments / 0