Mavs 2018 Draft discussion

[Lord Cuban]

________________________________Dallas Mavericks 2018 Draft_______________________________


It's too early but I think it's a good idea to create a thread about the 2018 draft because as we all can see, this team will not be in the playoffs and we are the worst team in the NBA. I think Rick Carlisle should be leading the charge (A coach driven tank) because You NEVER, EVER ask the players not to try and do their best, you leave it to the coach to not put them in the best positions to win games. RC does not deserve blame, he deserves praise if he do that. Right now our Best-case scenario for Mavs might be DSJ as a bright spot in a bad season that leads to a top 5 pick

Draft Picks:
Dallas Mavericks 1st round pick
Dallas Mavericks 2nd round pick (protected for selections 31-55 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Dallas' obligation to Milwaukee will be extinguished)

Decision-maker:
Team President Donnie Nelson is well-entrenched and one of the most respected executives in the NBA. He works closely with veteran coach Rick Carlisle and owner Mark Cuban.


Draft priorities:

1. The Best Talent available: It is already clear to us that the Mavs need the best player they can find in the next draft. DSJ is our PG for the future and 2018 draft Does not seem to have very talented point guards like the 2017 draft. In this draft we need the best talent available and any the projected top 5 players of this draft can be our guy for the future.

Potential targets: Michael Porter, Luka Doncic, DeAndre Ayton, Marvin Bagley & Mohamed Bamba.

2. Dirk & Noel Replacement: I think Dirk will hardly return for the 2018-19 season and unless Dwight Powell begin to produce like legitimate starter i think that we will need someone to occupy the vacant space that will be left by Dirk and Noel.

Potential targets: DeAndre Ayton, Marvin Bagley, Mohamed Bamba, Jaren Jackson Jr., Wendell Carter & Robert Williams.

3. Potential Steals: We need all luck to escape from mediocrity

Potential targets: Hamidou Diallo, Grayson Allen, Mitchell Robinson, Dzanan Musa & P.J. Washington


The Mavs HAVE to stay strong and stay the course, because as the playoff picture emerges other teams might start racing to the bottom. Absolutely zero reason the Mavs shouldn't get a top 5 pick. NONE.

[Captain_Obvious]

Absolutely zero reason the Mavs shouldn't get a top 5 pick. NONE.

Thats why I'm so scared once Curry comes back.

1. Curry needs to be traded for a first.
2. Noel needs to understand his situation. He must move on. I'm not even looking for value here.
3. FO has to decide on Barnes: Is he part of the core with Smith, or not? I'm conflicted here. If Thon Maker or Zach Collins are available, I'd move him.

Either 1. or 3. has to happen soon.

Btw. #teamDoncic

[dirkforpres]

Even with a fully healthy team and an easy schedule (neither of which we have) we are still a bottom 5 team in the league. Nerlens and Dirk both look terrible so far, Smith needs at least the entire year to develop into a star, Barnes is so inconsistent that you can never actually depend on him, and our bench might be the absolute worst in the league.... Top that off by playing in the West and I think a top 5 pick is pretty much a given

[arkuo]

I think after a full year, Carlisle and company has to decide if Dennis can be our "batman" moving forward. We should be able to gauge if he has the potential to be that number one option. It's him or HB at this point. Either that or we're drafting someone who could lead, or we're getting someone to be his "robin".

I've reviewed a lot of game tapes and Doncic can be an Eric Snow as DSJ is to Iverson. Plays off the ball a lot. But gets to score at will.

If we need just a random collection of young talent and hoping something hits, then Ayton or Porter Jr can fill that role. HB needs to slide back to SF by the way. Just saying.

[Pinkyring]

we traded 2 seconds for noel, is that not the 2018 second? I think we are definitely bottom 5 without tanking, if best case scenario this team is 5-25 first 30 games, but probably more like 3-27, id give noel even if its a salary dump to get rid of powell and I know noel has to agree but if he keeps playing 20mpg here he isn't getting any decent offers next year so why not go to a good team and up your value? I also would like to keep seth especially if we keep him for 4/40 but if a first is offered id pull the trigger and pursue him this summer since we don't have bird rights anyway

[fuller4379]

Batman and Robin can’t beat the entire Justice League from Oakland.

[Lord Cuban]

Michael Porter Jr. (Missouri, SF/PF, 6'10", 212 lbs)

Early 2018 draft projection: Top 3

Likely NBA ceiling: Superstar

Pro comparison: Kevin Durant/Joe Johnson

Strengths: It's not often that you find an elite level size/shooter/athlete package at the high school level ... Extremely mature, focused and hard working individual ... Smooth and athletic wing forward with high level intangibles and competitiveness … Possesses tremendous size for a wing forward at 6'10 with a 7'0 wingspan and 9'0 foot standing reach ... Could transition to being a face up four in today's "play up a position" NBA ... Possesses good coordination, fluidity, and versatility … Smooth shooting stroke with proper form, rotation, and arc ... Draws fouls at a high rate ... Reliable free throw shooter, shot 81.2% over the Nike EYBL and 86% his senior year at Nathan Hale. Gets great elevation with his shot combined with his size and length, can rise and shoot over the top of the defense ... Excels in catch and shoot situations as well as one or minimal dribble pull ups ... Highly efficient and consistent scorer ... A pure shooter ... Shot very well from three at 47% his senior year ... Nearly automatic from midrange ... Threat to score from anywhere within the half court ... Moves well off the ball … High level athlete with great run and jump ability, especially at his height ... Finishes well in transition ... Quick off the ground. Has impressive second jump, giving him an edge on tip-ins and put backs. Good rebounder ... Crashes offensive boards after nearly every missed shot … Plays well within the offense; doesn’t force his scoring or try to do too much. Squares up on the move and gets his feet set quickly. Stays balanced and shows good body control when he shoots on the move. Uses screens and curls well … Plays the baseline well … Has good potential as a perimeter defender with his length and ability to move his feet. Solid shot blocking ability … Solid court vision and passing ability … Strength has improved over the past year …

Weaknesses: Better ability to attack the rim off the bounce would add to his scoring arsenal ... Tends to rely on shooting over the defense in the half court ... Ball handling has improved but still needs to improve his overall ball skills, especially with his left hand ... Straight line driver lacking in creativity and doesn’t break down the defense ... Doesn’t create much off the dribble or have a lot of shiftiness in his game ... Has to move without the ball and have separation before receiving it to create space … Relies on outjumping opponents at this stage, will need to improve offensive game moving forward ... His pull up game can be predictable and won’t come as easy at the next level ... If his shot isn’t falling, he doesn’t always have a way to get easy baskets ... Can improve his offensive post game … Doesn’t make many decisions with the ball in a triple threat position, generally shoots off the catch or looks to give the ball up after minimal dribbles ... His aggression and physicality doesn’t always match his natural ability ... Should look to add strength and toughness ... Playing against more physical defenders moving forward may take some adjusting … Can improve upon finishing in traffic …

Outlook: Measured 6’10’’ in shoes, with a 7'0’’wingspan, 9'0 standing reach and 216 lbs at the 2017 Nike Hoop Summit ... Measured 6’10’’ in shoes, with a 6’10’’ wingspan and 195 lbs at the 2015 Nike Basketball Academy ... Measured 6'8, 188 lbs, with a 6'9 wingspan at the 2014 Nike Elite 100 ... Measured 6'7.5 without shoes, 6'8.5 with shoes, 193 lbs, with a 6'9.5 wingspan and 8'10.5 standing reach at the 2014 USA Junior National Team Mini Camp ... Widely projected as the likely #1 pick for the 2018 draft and many scouts feel he would be first in the drafts before and after his ... Incoming Missouri freshman. After an impressive Nike EYBL season, leading MOKAN Elite to win Peach Jam, Porter went on to lead Nathan Hale to an undefeated season going 29-0 (turning around a team with a previous record of 3-18), beating the likes of Sierra Canyon and Oak Hill Academy while averaging 34.8 points and 13.8 rebounds on the season, including 28 points and 17 rebounds in the Washington state 3A title game. Porter was named MVP of the McDonald’s All American game with 17 points and eight rebounds. Tied a game high 19 points at the Nike Hoop Summit … Naismith Player of the Year ...

From: http://www.nbadraft.net/players/michael-porter

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[Lord Cuban]

Luka Doncic (Slovenia, PG/SG, 1999)

Early 2018 draft projection: Top 3

Likely NBA ceiling: Superstar

Pro comparison:

Strenghts: What's most impressive about him is the maturity and the polish and completeness of his game at just 16 years of age, basically from all standpoints ... As a 6-7 SG, he already has a solid body, ready to compete at the senior level, with a wide frame, quite developed from a muscular standpoint, both his upper and lower body ... He has shown a remarkable amount of pro moves and amazing body control during his first season with the Real Madrid senior team ... His game is already defined and complete, with the ability to create his own shot basically in any kind of situation: midrange game, layups, floater, three pointers are all an effective part of his offensive repertoire ... Furthermore his court vision and ball handling skills are above average, with the ability to create for himself and his teammates in traffic often showing glimpses of rare talent ... He often switches as the primary ball handler, where he can show his creativity and ability to attack the basket ... Defensively he has quick hands and instincts in the passing lanes, with a great attitude and a blue collar style ... Definitely one of the brightest prospects coming from Europe in a number of years ...

Weaknesses: His biggest flaw is his lack of quickness and lateral speed, which affects his effectiveness in 1 on 1 defense against more explosive opponents ... Furthermore this also limits his offensive effectiveness in ISO situations when he has to rely on his body control and fakes to create the space for the shot or to draw contact ... He also needs to work on shot consistency, especially his mechanics and foot positioning ... Sometimes he lacks the killer instinct when facing weaker opponents ...

Notes: Son of Saša Dončić, a former professional player. He’s having 5 pts 3 rbs 2 as of average in ACB with 14’ on the court thus far, and a season high of 15+6+4 against Bilbao. 4 points 3 rbs 2 assist in 13’ on the court in Euroleague, with a season high in a losing effort of 15+5 against CSKA Moscow. MVP of last Adidas Next Generation Tournament finals in Madrid where Real won the title. Still not clear for which national team he will play. MVP of the 2013 Mini Copa del Rey while playing for tournament winner Real Madrid ...

From: http://www.nbadraft.net/players/luka-doncic

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[Darren]

I think we're better off see what we have in Clavell and wait until 2019 draft which is quite rich in SG talent.

[arkuo]

You know who reminds me of Luka Doncic today? Devin Booker. Luka is an inch taller. both can make plays, pass off double teams and can shoot the lights out. And its not like Booker can do a 360 between the legs dunk in-game. Booker likes to drive to the hole when the open 3 isnt there. Luka is 3 years younger.

To me, the top 4 with comparisons are:

Doncic - Devin Booker
Ayton - Joel Embiid
Porter Jr - Joe Johnson
Bamba - Rudy Gobert

Bagley is an enigma to me this early. Sometimes I'd like to believe his ceiling is Anthony Davis (And that sure is a pretty tall order), but some days he's your everyday athletic PF who can dribble.

I've been hearing knocks on Porter Jr, and they may be right. But out of that group of players, he may be the only guy who can hang with Giannis, KD, Porzingis and Lebron with his size and shooting. Not saying he can shut those guys down, of course. But you catch my drift here.

[Mr B]

I️ think drafting Doncic would really help Dennis. It would take a lot of the ball handling duties off him and allow him to play the 2 where he can focus on scoring. It would also allow the Mavs to have two elite ball handlers on the floor without having to go small. He also already has an NBA body so the Mavs wouldn’t have to wait for him to fill out.

[Lord Cuban]

DeAndre Ayton (Arizona, C, 1998)

Early 2018 draft projection: Top 3

Likely NBA ceiling: Star

Pro comparison: Patrick Ewing

Strengths: Posesses can't miss talent with the chance to develop into a generational big ... Seven-footer with great coordination and fluidity … Great size and length with a 7’5.5 wingspan and 9’3 standing reach ... Runs the floor well with great agility ... Good strength level as well as body frame. Very good footwork ... Can score from every spot on the floor. Shoots well from three with great rotation on his shot. Good free throw shooter, shot 82.1% over the Nike EYBL ... Great athlete. Can play above the rim and is a very reliable finisher ... Shot 60.2% from the field over the Nike EYBL. Can finish plays that no defense can contest. Great rebounder on both ends of the floor. Secures any rebound he can get a hand on ... Great shot blocker and protects the paint. Alters shots that he doesn’t block and redirects the offense away from the paint. Does a great job of knowing when to leave his feet and when to stay on the ground to avoid fouls. Very good defender ... Hedges screens and moves his feet well. Reads and jumps passing lanes incredibly well ... Sees the floor well. Constantly communicates and directs traffic on offense and defense. Has great awareness, understands game plan and reads the game well. Knows where he’s passing before he receives the ball. Consistently finds the cutter. Plays a great high/low game when paired with another big man. Knows how to run the pick and roll/pick and pop … Unselfish and patient offensively … Has a solid foundation for a back to the basket game. Good touch on jump hook and very accurate around the rim. Shows a turnaround fade away in the post … Isn’t afraid of physicality and plays well through contact … Constantly attracts the defense’s attention. Reads double teams well … Good ball handling and passing ability for his size … Doesn’t have any major weaknesses …

Weaknesses: Ayton didn’t make the strides one would hope in his senior year ... He did seem more focused towards the end of the season after losing his #1 player in class status nearly universally, but it appeared he got too comfortable sitting at the top spot for too long ... He rarely played like he had anything to prove and was complacent offensively ... He also turned down the opportunity to compete at the Hoop Summit, an event he had failed to impress at in past years ... Tends to settle for jump shots and roams to the perimeter far too often ... Can assert himself better as he can go through the motions ... Sometimes goes through stretches where he isn’t involved with the offense ... Must improve intensity and competitive nature … His jump shot is flat and doesn’t have ideal arc, most of his misses tend to take hard bounces off the rim … Post game is developing but still needs polish, doesn’t have any go to moves … Needs to understand playing aggressive without wearing emotions and picking up frustration fouls … Showed some ability to put the ball on the floor and drive but still resorts to jab stepping and settling for a shot … As an elite level high school bigman, the focus is always to challenge himself as there are plenty of nights where the competition level allows for complacency ...

Outlook: Incoming Arizona freshman. Led Hillcrest to win TheGrindSession National Championship. Played in both the McDonald’s All American Game (Eight points and 11 rebounds (nine offensive)) and Jordan Brand Classic (19 points and eight rebounds) … When he stays engaged and plays at his best, he can’t be matched and can very well be the number one pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.

From: http://www.nbadraft.net/players/deandre-ayton

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[Lord Cuban]

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[Lord Cuban]

Deandre Ayton is Raw and has some flaws but right now I would take him over Bagley and Bamba.

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[Darren]

http://www.nbadraft.net/players/joel-embiid
http://www.nbadraft.net/players/karl-anthony-towns
http://www.nbadraft.net/players/tyson-chandler
http://www.nbadraft.net/players/rudy-gobert
http://www.nbadraft.net/players/andre-drummond
http://www.nbadraft.net/players/deandre-jordan
http://www.nbadraft.net/players/greg-oden
http://www.nbadraft.net/players/deandre-ayton
http://www.nbadraft.net/players/mohamed-bamba

I have looked through scouting report to similar player. They seem to rank them like this.
1.Joel Emiid
2.Greg Oden
3.Andre Drummond
4.Karl Anthony-Towns
5.DeAndre Ayton
6.DeAndre Jordan
7.Mohamad Bamba
8.Rudy Gobert
9.Tyson Chandler

Among those players, Ayton has some probility to bust out. He's less proven than Joel Emiid. He's less well-defined role than KAT or Bamba. But he's less injury problem and relatively ready frame (260 lbs). Surely, he's less skilled than Emiid (19 PPG with some go-to moves, 14 RPG) or KAT (Known for his shooting mechanics). Some has questioned his intelligence and work ethics as he has not met the hype at 2nd year. From some highlights, he tends to stick with guys on the perimeter instead of protecting the paint. And from reports, he tends to settle for jumpers. I have some concerns about his mental toughness in particular. I am not sure if it is due to his coach or his personality. I am not too concern about his work ethics, though. He seems to play within a system and make efforts to hold his own. But he's raw skill-wise. And he lacks some smart in pick-n-roll defense. If he's drafted, I want either Olajuwon or DRob to work with him. He does have an unique package. The potential is there.

Meanwhile, he could be quite impactful if he uses his physical tools properly. He seems to be ideal pick-n-roll mate with Dennis Smith. He'll draw a lot of attention. So can Dennis. He can make shots and draw fouls as well. So he could see a lot of success as a Mavs. Our system fits him very well. If we believe he's coachable and can learn become smarter, he's our pick. He would be even better if he's a focal leader, yes, a defensive commander on the floor like Tyson Chandler. Then, we're perfectly fine.

So far, we lack some defense from our young core. I want to start with center. Then, get another Matrix who can defend 1-3. I am very interested in Mikal Bridges if we can get another pick to reach him. I don't care if we trade a future pick for him. I am not too high on tanking for 2019. The rookies do not seem too athletic or talented by any measure. If we have to wait until 2019 to find a shooter, I'd rather trade an unknown first round pick for Miles Bridge. He seems to have what we need from Shawn Marion.

Potentially, Ayton-Cousins-Barnes-Bridges-Smith are very good combination assumed that Cousins has interested to be a final piece.

[Darren]

As of now, Ayton seems like a Noel with more muscle and shooting stroke. He's more team-oriented player. Like Noel, Ayton lacks some smarts in pick-n-roll defense. He's some question marks on work ethics as well. But he's next to no injury history. That makes a difference as well. Double-double is the right esimation to Ayton's rookie season. I think we'll take him before Potter (who's less ready and play the same position as Barnes), Bagley (as we may target PF in free agency), Doncic (as we have more pressing need at 5 and he's less ready as well) and Bamba (due to lower ceiling). Of course, 2019 draft play a part with the decision. 2019 draft class is rich in SG talents but rare in C prospects.

[Mr B]

To me Ayton looks more like a poor man’s Patrick Ewing (compared to Ewing’s Georgetown day). He appears to have the ability to dominate in the paint like Ewing did in college but Ayton tends to drift towards the perimeter. Maybe it’s just because that’s what centers do now days or maybe it’s because he doesn’t like mixing it up. Either way he’s not doing it which is disappointing. He does look good but #1 overall good? Not yet.

[Lord Cuban]

Kostas Antetokounmpo seems to have a good potential... He is raw but his upside is insane. We need one more pick for this draft or some more 2nd round picks.

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[Darren]

If Ayton's intelligence is closed to McGee or his intangible is closed to Noel, I would pass on him. I think he's a man worth scouting heavily on. But I think we should be made opened to all options (trade for Porzingis; trade down for Bamba and a future 1st; pick other guys). I think his physical shape is ideal for current nba. But for some reasons, he doesn't achieve much or improve enough so far. There must be something limit his growth.

[Darren]

I am kinda of surprised that so many people voted for Doncic. I am not too impressed with his highlights. But people do mention that he's more impactful than pure highlights. People keep praising his work ethics and passion to play. I think those are really good quality for a team leader as well. Could anyone show more why he's beloved by fellow fans?