This was supposed to be a lot shorter post, bu I got carried away... Anyways, this is how I'd have a draft list for Dallas.
Personally, unless Sochan or Williams fall to Mavs pick, I'd gladly trade down if OKC would be willing to trade #30 and #34 for Mavs pick, #23 at the moment. Pick up two prospects there, and hope one of the guys from the last group goes undrafted.
Here it goes:
A) UNLIKELY: both of these guys are likely a mid 1st picks (late lotto or late teens) and probably outside of Mavs reach, but if for some reason they fall, I think they'd be great gets, and would seriously think about keeping the pick no matter what.
1. Jeremy Sochan (F), Baylor(
https://www.tankathon.com/players/jeremy-sochan)
Has great all around defensive potential, with his combination of size, length, athleticism, motor and instincts. Developing offensive game too, with some dribbling and shooting ability. works hard on that end too, collecting offensive rebounds, cutting and running to the rim. Long term solution to PF position.
2. Mark Williams (C), Duke(
https://www.tankathon.com/players/mark-williams)
Great fit as C long term. Has great tools and high IQ, fills the role as defensive anchor perfectly. Active and efficient on offensive end, good screener and P'n'R big; great offensive rebounder who generates extra possessions.
B) TALENT ON THE RISE :
Malaki Branham (G), Ohio State(
https://www.tankathon.com/players/malaki-branham)
Branham had a great end of season. He is not an immediate positional need, but has a really high potential that would be shame to miss if he is available when Mavs pick - although he is starting to climb the boards now and is already in late teens with a chance to get higher. Just has great combination of tools and skills, and is still fairly young (won't turn 19 until Draft time) - 6'6 with +wingspan (6'10), high level athlete, can handle and create his own shot, has pull up mid range game, good 3pt shooter, can take it to the rim too; has shown some potential as P'n'R creator... might end up one of the steals of the draft.
C) GUYS THAT FIT: not overly exciting prospects, but both of these guys would fill the positional need and have potential to become decent starters or high level backpus.
1. EJ Liddel (F), Ohio State(
https://www.tankathon.com/players/e-j-liddell)
College vet that plays like one. Good shooter with developed offensive game, who also puts up good shot blocking numbers on the defensive end. Question is what and how it will translate to NBA level - he lacks size and athleticism to be high level defender and especially shot blocker in the NBA, and he might very well be reduced to spot up shooter on the other end. In my opinion he's closer to decent backup than starter.
2. Christian Koloko (C), Arizona(
https://www.tankathon.com/players/christian-koloko)
Not as good as Mark Williams (slightly smaller and not as strong) on both ends of the floor, but has makings of good role player - rim protecting / rim running C. Has good mobility on defensive end, has strength and size that should translate to NBA too; on offense he knows and executes his role. Not a flashy pick but a useful player for sure.
D) SHOOTING FOR THE STARS: all of these guys are young shooting guards / combo forwards who all show various interesting traits, but have some glaring holes as well. At least one of them at is going to be a very good player.
1. Bryce McGowan, Nebraska(
https://www.tankathon.com/players/bryce-mcgowens)
Talented scorer, better shooter than his percentages, great at drawing and converting FTs, good handles, has really nice size... downside is defense and slight uncertainty regarding the shooting; marginal inclination towards playmaking for others. Question is do you take him over players more ready to contribute immediately.
2. Blake Wesley, Notre Dame(
https://www.tankathon.com/players/blake-wesley)
Has tool to be two way combo guard, but his shooting is extremely streaky, and in comparison to McGowens he is much worse FT shooter, which is worrisome; on the other hand, very young and had some great games against good competition
3. Jaden Hardy, Gleague Ignite(
https://www.tankathon.com/players/jaden-hardy)
Started the year as lotto talent, but has fallen out so far. He certainly has talent - good handler, can create and make even the tough shots - could very well end up something like Cole Anthony; but very inconsistent, not good playmaker and questionable IQ and readiness to play mature, team game.
4. Trevor Keels, Duke(
https://www.tankathon.com/players/trevor-keels)
Youngest in the group, won't turn 19 until the Draft. Great physical profile and defensive instincts and tools. Has underwhelmed as shooter and playmaker relative to expectations, but still has promise and is on slightly higher level than rest of the guys. At the same time, he is really good defensively, and has great physical profile for his age, very strong, although not as explosive as other guys. Slightly smaller than them too.
5. Jalen Williams, Santa Clara (
https://www.tankathon.com/players/jalen-williams)
Oldest in the group and from the smallest school, but has interesting all round potential as defender, playmaker and shooter / scorer. Probably some bias due to playing worst competition of the bunch, but he could very well surprise and be rotation player right away as he averaged 18 / 4 / 4, on 40% 3pt shooting.
E) UNDER THE RADAR YOUNGER GUYS: young guys, without spectacular ceiling, but with potential to be valuable role players. Could be a reach tom take them in the 1st round, but should offer great value in the 2nd round.
1. Jabari Walker (F), Colorado State(
https://www.tankathon.com/players/jabari-walker)
Has all the makings of the solid role player, maybe even starter on the NBA level - he is good all round defender, rebounder and developing shooter with range to 3pt. Doesn't have some ultra exciting ceiling, but should be a contributor. It might be hard to take him over some of the higher ceiling guys, but he has a pretty certain floor at position of great value (3&D combo forward), and is still young (sophmore).
2. Justin Lewis (F), Marquette(
https://www.tankathon.com/players/justin-lewis)
Very similar to Jabari Walker, but in my opinion maybe a slightly lesser rebounder and defender, while being a more versatile shooter. Still, I'd prefer Walker at this point, I think he has greater potential as two way player.
F) INTERNATIONAL GUYS: Procida, Spagnolo, Besson: haven't really seen a lot of them, but they have some promise, although all of them are longer term projects.
Procida likley has best NBA tools with his combination of size, athleticism and shooting.
Jovic has some obvious appeal as big playmaker, but his defense remains suspectable, and it is a question how he translates. I am fairly high on him.
Kamagate has tool to be good rimprotector, but for some reason I'd feel safer to go with Koloko in this range and witht his type of player.
https://www.tankathon.com/players/matteo-spagnolohttps://www.tankathon.com/players/hugo-bessonhttps://www.tankathon.com/players/gabriele-procidahttps://www.tankathon.com/players/nikola-jovichttps://www.tankathon.com/players/ismael-kamagateG) UNDER THE RADAR MIX OF GUYS: more of an honorable mentions section, with a mix of interesting guys that should be available later in the 2nd round, or might even go undrafted, with some of them having potential to blow up given improvement in one major area. Listed from oldest to youngest.
1. Alondes Williams (G), Wake Forest(
https://www.tankathon.com/players/alondes-williams)
Herky jerky senior guard, who has good size, handles and vision, but his shaky jumper is the main draw back. If he can improve that, could be a good rotation guard or even a 6th man in the NBA.
2. Ron Harper jr. (F), Rutgers(
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/ron-harperjr-1.html)
Combo forward with good size and strength who lacks some athleticism, but could carve a role as rotation two way forward, as he has good IQ and is decent shooter, especially in the smaller role.
3. Jordan Hall (G), Saint Joseph's(
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/jordan-hall-1.html)
6'7 guard with really nice passing touch and vision, and a good shooter with NBA range, even from the dribble. Not overly athletic, which prevents him from finishing at the rim, and really not a good defender, despite his size. Still failry young too, just a sophomore.
4. Caleb Love (G), North Carolina(
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/caleb-love-1.html)
6'4 guard who has all the tools, but is wildly inconsistent in putting it together. He has handling, shooting and finishing ability, but lacks experience and maturity to balance it all and put it together. If he declares and drops to second part of 2nd round, could be a really nice get couple of years down the way.
5. Harrison Ingram (F), Stanford(
https://www.tankathon.com/players/harrison-ingram)
Combo forward with good size and strength, has decent two way potential, and also has some playmaking ability. His shot has been bad (3pt, and FTs), but if he improves there, could be a surprise down the stretch. Also, he could easily return to college if his 1st round prospects don't look to bright.