Mr B wrote:What are you thoughts/reasons for the Mavs picking Donovan Mitchell over De'Aaron Fox? The reason I'm asking is because the Mavs biggest need right now is PG. Also they have been heavily scouting Fox, Smith, and Ntilikina. Donovan Mitchell would be a nice player to have however a combo guard is not really what they need, especially considering the way Curry played last year.
I am not a fan of Fox, I understand the thinking there and I'd not fault Dallas if they take him but having the wrong initiator can be really damaging, even if you believe in Fox's shooting somehow (and even then he's likely not gonna be a diverse shooter or a threat off ball so you can't really create out of other guys because then you play 4 on 5 offensively) there are other concerns like his strength level and the fact that he relies on athleticism and quicks to get to the basket and he isnt gonna be able to finish at the same rate with his frame, especially his legs.
For a middling team or a team that aspires to be okay, I can get behind drafting Fox, Dallas actually could be one of those, but if you are truly aiming to be the best you can I think Mitchell brings more value overall and Fox if anything can bring value eventually via trade kind of.
It has to do with the way I see basketball and the draft more than how good is or isn't De'Aaron Fox, I have him there at 18th because that's about where the situation made sense, both for the team, IND might need a ton of help creating if PG is traded and Teague let go, and also where his value eventually can make up for the jump from where I have him in my board in terms of basic value on court (which would be around 23-25th, the highest I can go to a back-up PG) compared to that range in the late teens.
And also about Dallas biggest needs, I am not convinced Dallas has a long-time starter at any spot, maybe Center with Noel (and that's why I don't have them drafting Collins whom I like better than Donovan) although injuries and PF with Barnes, although I'd be okay cashing in with him, but still, nothing that will stop me from drafting Mitchell.
Rookies suck, unless they are generationally great, so it's not like Fox is gonna make a difference regardless, talking about need it's kind of silly imo.