2020 NBA Draft Discussion (18th and 31st pick)

[Darren]

If Aaron Nesmith is off the board when we pick, I'd be okay with

Round 1 - Isaiah Stewart
Round 2 - Devin Vassell

Stewart can be a worst case of Danny Fortson and a best case of Montrez Harrell. Some draft boards say he's undersized at 6'9, but since KP's long term position is at center, I don't mind him being 6'9. Utah has 6'6 Royce O'Neal at PF. Houston has 6'5 Tucker at center.

Every mock I saw has Vassell in the lottery.

Yeah, Vassel is definitely a lottery pick. Dude has real potential to become elite 3 and D player. Nesmith has some really good tools but when Mavericks have opportunity to pick Vassell with 18 pick, then he is no brainer, he is just better long term fit. I would go even as far as saying Mavericks should trade up to get him. I don't see all these teams before Mavericks like Pelican, Blazers, Magic, Timberwolves that also need good young 3 and D specialists, woun't pick Vassell.

For other teams, between Vassell and Nesmith, they pick Vassell. But for the Mavs, I think Nesmith is the right selection. This team needs elite shooter with fine defense instead of superb defense with fine shooting. I think moving up for Nesmith is manageable goal. I am higher on Nesmith than Hardaway. If Hardaway opts out, I think the Mavs move on and make a run for FVV instead. Potentially, that's two starters for years to come. At some point, the Mavs should be able to unload some contract for Giannis.

[arkuo]

Every mock I saw has Vassell in the lottery.

Yeah, Vassel is definitely a lottery pick. Dude has real potential to become elite 3 and D player. Nesmith has some really good tools but when Mavericks have opportunity to pick Vassell with 18 pick, then he is no brainer, he is just better long term fit. I would go even as far as saying Mavericks should trade up to get him. I don't see all these teams before Mavericks like Pelican, Blazers, Magic, Timberwolves that also need good young 3 and D specialists, woun't pick Vassell.

For other teams, between Vassell and Nesmith, they pick Vassell. But for the Mavs, I think Nesmith is the right selection. This team needs elite shooter with fine defense instead of superb defense with fine shooting. I think moving up for Nesmith is manageable goal. I am higher on Nesmith than Hardaway. If Hardaway opts out, I think the Mavs move on and make a run for FVV instead. Potentially, that's two starters for years to come. At some point, the Mavs should be able to unload some contract for Giannis.

I view it another way. IF the Mavs are able to draft one of Vasell or Nesmith, that makes Seth Curry expendable.

Curry is at his peak trade value and should only go down from where it is now. That means we can package Seth + Kleber for Myles Turner. And have Nesmith or Vassell play Curry's role off the bench. Keep THJ.

[arkuo]

I'm not familiar with his game, but say Dallas trades up to grab Devin Vassell at 15.

Would Vassell start over DFS at SF or would he come off the bench?

[aguiar95]

If THJ takes his PO (and hopefully get extended), I just want someone to take all minutes from J. Jackson. Ideally Kleber and DFS should come from the bench, but I can't see us having the assets to trade for a starter or sign one with the MLE.

Doncic/THJ/DFS/Kleber/KP
Wright/Curry/MLE/#18/Boban
Brunson/#31/Jackson/Powell/WCS

[Teffer10]

What about this kid Aleksej Pokusevski?
Looks like a 7ft Ginobli to me.
Very thin and long but can shoot and handles the ball very well.
Very coordinated and decent athleticism.

Watch on YouTube

[Pointguard01]

Anyone else think the Mavs will use their draft picks this year as extra ammo to pull off a trade? Seems like the Cuban + Donnie thing to do tbh.

Yeah, I wouldn't mind this strategy, but there aren't many trade targets that we can get. If you were to package #18 + #31 + salary (Wright, Jackson), you can only take on 16-million. I guess you could throw Hardaway in there, but I personally like his role on this team. Would prefer to keep him around.

Im just as interested in that scenario as packaging #18 + #31 (and maybe one of Wright/Jackson/Brunson) to move up.

I feel like we have figured some things out this year that make the roster make sense
(1) Porzingis should be the starting C, with 2 big off the bench (vs vice versa)
(2) We know Kleber/Powell off the bench is devastating for other benches; could be key (assuming DP gets healthy)
(3) Hardaway/DFS are as ideal 4th/5th starters, particularly DFS who would be impossible to replace considering his salary / lack of need for touches + what he's good at.
(4) Curry can be our 6th man scorer

I'm OK with Justin Jackson as your 10th man (though you never get too hung up to your 10th man), but don't love Wright. And I'm a Brunson believer, and would love to see a team where he is the sole backup PG behind Luka.

For me, it's all about finding that 3/4 player. Ideally, someone that can do some playmaking, bc I worry about Doncic being the only one in the starting lineup for that. We need that #3, a Kris Middleton/Gordon Hayward type. Really happy w the rest of the roster.

G- Doncic | Brunson
G- Hardaway | Curry
F- ________ | _______
F- Finney-Smith| Kleber
C- Porzingis | Powell

[arkuo]

Anyone else think the Mavs will use their draft picks this year as extra ammo to pull off a trade? Seems like the Cuban + Donnie thing to do tbh.

Yeah, I wouldn't mind this strategy, but there aren't many trade targets that we can get. If you were to package #18 + #31 + salary (Wright, Jackson), you can only take on 16-million. I guess you could throw Hardaway in there, but I personally like his role on this team. Would prefer to keep him around.

Im just as interested in that scenario as packaging #18 + #31 (and maybe one of Wright/Jackson/Brunson) to move up.

I feel like we have figured some things out this year that make the roster make sense
(1) Porzingis should be the starting C, with 2 big off the bench (vs vice versa)
(2) We know Kleber/Powell off the bench is devastating for other benches; could be key (assuming DP gets healthy)
(3) Hardaway/DFS are as ideal 4th/5th starters, particularly DFS who would be impossible to replace considering his salary / lack of need for touches + what he's good at.
(4) Curry can be our 6th man scorer

I'm OK with Justin Jackson as your 10th man (though you never get too hung up to your 10th man), but don't love Wright. And I'm a Brunson believer, and would love to see a team where he is the sole backup PG behind Luka.

For me, it's all about finding that 3/4 player. Ideally, someone that can do some playmaking, bc I worry about Doncic being the only one in the starting lineup for that. We need that #3, a Kris Middleton/Gordon Hayward type. Really happy w the rest of the roster.

G- Doncic | Brunson
G- Hardaway | Curry
F- ________ | _______
F- Finney-Smith| Kleber
C- Porzingis | Powell

I'd love to be able to get Myles Turner for that PF spot next to Porzingis. But that would most likely cost Wright + Kleber + pick.

That or we go into a bidding war for Christian Wood. Who plays in a similar way IMO.

[Don7]

If you want KP at center you rather get Aaron Gordon chasing wings on perimeter then Myles Turner.Also you could play faster and he would be some lesser version of Marion in those Suns team.I don't know that deal is possible and having #18 and #31 on cheap contracts going forward is nice too,especially because there really is not that big of difference having 5 pick or 18 so you could get a nice piece.On free agent market i am interested in Josh Jackson/Harry Giles projects.Josh played good after coming up from G league and that was humbling experience,shot is still work in progress.And Giles after they turned down the option played yust solid basketball,good passing instincts(i like him more than Bagley)he was important part of Sacramento's good play.

I dont want Dallas to be obsessed with 2021 cap space when more teams will have money and market is kind of overated.

Giannis? sure , 30 teams will want him and he may well be off the market(supermax)

PG(31)Kawhi(30) what about them?they fought so hard to get LA and they will switch to Dallas , sure , opt out for bigger deal

31 year old Gordon Hayward?
32 year old DeMar Derozen?
34 year old Mike Conley?
34 year old Danny Green?
35 year old Kyle Lowry?
36 year old LaMarcus Aldridge?
36 year old PJ Tucker?

Stop me when you feel excited.

Tucker would be nice fit but he will be probaly dead by then because of Di Antoni.Green will choose Dallas with 34 this time? no thanks.There is Gobert if he will be free agent by 2021 because few of them like Bradley Beal will extend by then(and he is such a bad fit with KP that i didn't even want to start talking about that).Only Oladipo is kind of interesting but do you really want commit to 29 year old with degenerative knee?!Its really only Giannis and he may well not be a free agent by then.Otto Porter seems like perfect fit but your not saving 2021 cap space for Otto Porter,will he ever be healthy.

So i would recommend getting Gordon,Turner or some better option(???)even if it cuts your 2021 space because...cap space is overrated and 2021 free agency also.Luka is ready now,he and KP in first season were on 52 win pace when healthy,and that with learning to play together,KP changing position/role,injuries,and Porzingis coming from 20 month of layoff.Ready for title? no , nobody was ready for that when your best player was 21,22,but ready for deep playoff battles,50 + seasons that will prepare you for eventually conference finals and the finals.Getting another reliable wing defender would accelerate the process.

[arkuo]

If you want KP at center you rather get Aaron Gordon chasing wings on perimeter then Myles Turner.

The top of the West features Anthony Davis / Dwight Howard, Montrezl Harrel / Paul George, Nikola Jokic and whoever they got at PF.

Going against those combos of big men, you're gonna need someone with heft who can switch around on defense with KP. Having KP guard AD or Dwight will get you 5 fouls by halftime.

Whoever plays PF also has to settle for a bit less touches. Luka and KP should take 25 shot attempts each per game. That leaves around only like 8 to 10 FGA for that PF.

[Don7]

Montrezl Harrel iz 6-7.Dwight Howard is about to be 35.And Clippers are literally the example because they will play with one big that may be 6-7 Harrell.Lakers are the only team that plays two bigs and they will probably go more to Davis at center come playoff time.You don't want anybody clogging the lane for Luka.

Il take Dorian over Myles at 4,especially because Kleber is good for 20 minuts againts anyone,starting with Zion and you wont get much physically then that.Find me some great perimeter dude,better than Dorian,some Jaylen Brown prototip(easier said),but someone where Dorian is not your number 1 perimeter defender because that's not good enough,.Yeah i would aceppt younger Draymond because that will give you everything but good luck finding that,or some PJ tipe.Maybe the draft is the best way,trading #31 if you really like somenone

[arkuo]

Montrezl Harrel iz 6-7.Dwight Howard is about to be 35.And Clippers are literally the example because they will play with one big that may be 6-7 Harrell.Lakers are the only team that plays two bigs and they will probably go more to Davis at center come playoff time.You don't want anybody clogging the lane for Luka.

Il take Dorian over Myles at 4,especially because Kleber is good for 20 minuts againts anyone,starting with Zion and you wont get much physically then that.Find me some great perimeter dude,better than Dorian,some Jaylen Brown prototip(easier said),but someone where Dorian is not your number 1 perimeter defender because that's not good enough,.Yeah i would aceppt younger Draymond because that will give you everything but good luck finding that,or some PJ tipe.Maybe the draft is the best way,trading #31 if you really like somenone

From your list I personally like Gordon Hayward. That's a legit number 3 behind Luka and KP.

Although I dont know how Cuban's feelings are dealing with Ainge at this time.

[arkuo]

If you want KP at center you rather get Aaron Gordon chasing wings on perimeter then Myles Turner.

We'd probably have to send Powell + Wright + #18 pick to Orlando for AG.

I dont know how the top brass is attached to that first round pick this year. But if they arent too keen on building through the draft, then I'd understand if they trade the pick for a sure thing.

For Orlando, they get a PG (finally) in Wright. Powell comes off the bench in lieu of Jonathan Isaac's development.

[Don7]

You mean trade this year?

He's solid two way guy that will give you secondary scorer/creator option and you dont lose size.But i wouldn't resinge him for anything more than 4/60 considering the age and injuries.My perfect guy is like Covington,space the floor and give you defensively everything you need.Maybe if that cheap ass Tilman Fertitta blows the team.I am fan more then most of Otto Porter and he would be younger,but he his more on lighter side like Dorian.I really like Vassell from the draft but he may be out of reach.

Let´s not lose the perspective , the hardest guy to finde you already have(Luka)and other who compliments him perfectly both ways(KP).Now you are searching for that wing that can give you quality 30 minuts in game 6 of western confrence semifinal,not easy but much easier than go to guy or super 3D center.Also because you have Luka you can draft for need and not BPA(this draft probably doesn't have BPA)you can search does 6-6,6-9 players that can fit perfectly with what you got.

[HairyGOATee]

Anyone else think the Mavs will use their draft picks this year as extra ammo to pull off a trade? Seems like the Cuban + Donnie thing to do tbh.

Yeah, I wouldn't mind this strategy, but there aren't many trade targets that we can get. If you were to package #18 + #31 + salary (Wright, Jackson), you can only take on 16-million. I guess you could throw Hardaway in there, but I personally like his role on this team. Would prefer to keep him around.

Im just as interested in that scenario as packaging #18 + #31 (and maybe one of Wright/Jackson/Brunson) to move up.

I feel like we have figured some things out this year that make the roster make sense
(1) Porzingis should be the starting C, with 2 big off the bench (vs vice versa)
(2) We know Kleber/Powell off the bench is devastating for other benches; could be key (assuming DP gets healthy)
(3) Hardaway/DFS are as ideal 4th/5th starters, particularly DFS who would be impossible to replace considering his salary / lack of need for touches + what he's good at.
(4) Curry can be our 6th man scorer

I'm OK with Justin Jackson as your 10th man (though you never get too hung up to your 10th man), but don't love Wright. And I'm a Brunson believer, and would love to see a team where he is the sole backup PG behind Luka.

For me, it's all about finding that 3/4 player. Ideally, someone that can do some playmaking, bc I worry about Doncic being the only one in the starting lineup for that. We need that #3, a Kris Middleton/Gordon Hayward type. Really happy w the rest of the roster.

G- Doncic | Brunson
G- Hardaway | Curry
F- ________ | _______
F- Finney-Smith| Kleber
C- Porzingis | Powell

I'd love to be able to get Myles Turner for that PF spot next to Porzingis. But that would most likely cost Wright + Kleber + pick.

That or we go into a bidding war for Christian Wood. Who plays in a similar way IMO.

I think a 3D combo forward is a bigger need tbh. Myles Turner would be cool and all, but Kleber is fine.
Crowder, Harkless, Maurice Morris, or someone like that would be ideal though. I'd even consider Gallo even though he's not a 3D player, lol.

[Michaellam1987]

Actually we are fine with our big men rotation, we have KP/Kleber/Powell(hope he will be 100% healthy)/WCS (hope he opts in to return DAL) and Boban, the only update we still need should be player that is quick while big enough to guard SF or modern PF, Aaron Gordon is one of the better solution while it is feasible. But if we trade for Gordon, one of Powell or Kleber has to leave, to avoid we spent too many $$ on similar position.

[Pointguard01]

Yeah, I wouldn't mind this strategy, but there aren't many trade targets that we can get. If you were to package #18 + #31 + salary (Wright, Jackson), you can only take on 16-million. I guess you could throw Hardaway in there, but I personally like his role on this team. Would prefer to keep him around.

Im just as interested in that scenario as packaging #18 + #31 (and maybe one of Wright/Jackson/Brunson) to move up.

I feel like we have figured some things out this year that make the roster make sense
(1) Porzingis should be the starting C, with 2 big off the bench (vs vice versa)
(2) We know Kleber/Powell off the bench is devastating for other benches; could be key (assuming DP gets healthy)
(3) Hardaway/DFS are as ideal 4th/5th starters, particularly DFS who would be impossible to replace considering his salary / lack of need for touches + what he's good at.
(4) Curry can be our 6th man scorer

I'm OK with Justin Jackson as your 10th man (though you never get too hung up to your 10th man), but don't love Wright. And I'm a Brunson believer, and would love to see a team where he is the sole backup PG behind Luka.

For me, it's all about finding that 3/4 player. Ideally, someone that can do some playmaking, bc I worry about Doncic being the only one in the starting lineup for that. We need that #3, a Kris Middleton/Gordon Hayward type. Really happy w the rest of the roster.

G- Doncic | Brunson
G- Hardaway | Curry
F- ________ | _______
F- Finney-Smith| Kleber
C- Porzingis | Powell

I'd love to be able to get Myles Turner for that PF spot next to Porzingis. But that would most likely cost Wright + Kleber + pick.

That or we go into a bidding war for Christian Wood. Who plays in a similar way IMO.

I think a 3D combo forward is a bigger need tbh. Myles Turner would be cool and all, but Kleber is fine.
Crowder, Harkless, Maurice Morris, or someone like that would be ideal though. I'd even consider Gallo even though he's not a 3D player, lol.

Agreed. DFS plays really strong in the post, and while he is undersized, I think he can handle most PFs nowadays.

The only legit playoff team we would need to go big against is LA & Denver; then, you swap Kleber in the starting lineup. Generally, we can get by against most other teams.

We really need a 2nd playmaker though. I dont think we need a Crowder or Harkless (they spot up and shot), but we need a secondary ball-handler that can create [a bit], shoot and defend. Obviously those are hard to come by, but that is the missing link on this team. If we could get that, we have a championship team IMO.

[HairyGOATee]

I'd love to be able to get Myles Turner for that PF spot next to Porzingis. But that would most likely cost Wright + Kleber + pick.

That or we go into a bidding war for Christian Wood. Who plays in a similar way IMO.

I think a 3D combo forward is a bigger need tbh. Myles Turner would be cool and all, but Kleber is fine.
Crowder, Harkless, Maurice Morris, or someone like that would be ideal though. I'd even consider Gallo even though he's not a 3D player, lol.

Agreed. DFS plays really strong in the post, and while he is undersized, I think he can handle most PFs nowadays.

The only legit playoff team we would need to go big against is LA & Denver; then, you swap Kleber in the starting lineup. Generally, we can get by against most other teams.

We really need a 2nd playmaker though. I dont think we need a Crowder or Harkless (they spot up and shot), but we need a secondary ball-handler that can create [a bit], shoot and defend. Obviously those are hard to come by, but that is the missing link on this team. If we could get that, we have a championship team IMO.

Kleber can handle most PFs for sure. DFS a lil more limited in that regard I guess, but it's always different. I'd like the spot-up and shoot type, but as for another ball-handler, I do like Brunson. But a more dynamic player like Beal or Lavine or Devin Booker or something, that'd be dope.

But I still think 3D wing is a need. The Mavs obviously have more than one need right now, so honestly, I think we're both right.

[youngWizzy]

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[Don7]

Hollinger mock.On most others he is like second round.

https://www.thestepien.com/2020/04/06/desmond-bane-scouting-report/

After researching a bit i wouldn't mind him on 18,let alone on 31.

He's not your leading guard and is older than most(turns 22 this summer).Who cares? Drafting player that needs the ball to develop doesn't make sense with Luka and i prefer older player,more ready to play then projects.Secondary ball handler(doesn't need to be anything more in Dallas)and great shooter (44% on 5 per game in last 3 seasons)spot up 91% percentile!

Brogdon,Hart,White we see always that older guard that falls because of age(among other things)and probably is better then 8-10 players drafted before him.And i understand that if you have a lottery pick your looking for biggest upside and he probably cant be your primary option,but like for us that we dont need one.You can get in love with bigger wingspan and 19 year olds but i like the production,the fit,the body and the fact he improve every year.

- Secondary Ball Handler
- Great shooter
- 6-6 and built like a tank
- Good defender

I can visualize it.

High motor guy that can relieve Luka on some creating,and then be deadly playing off him,with huge motor/strength competing in defense,and shooting is still underrated in 2020,i am not drafting anyone who cant hit a three,maybe in few years he gonna develop? NO , give me deadly shooter on 6,5 per game.And having a NBA ready body,being older probably Rick will like him more.

So i guess it depends on who will be available on 18,who could feel,could you get him with 31? but every draft i have a guy and this is the one for me in 2020.This draft is not that rich with a talent that you blindly go BPA > Fit.What is even a BPA in this draft when you don't have a consensus on any pick.You need to factor in Luka(duh).Seth was good singing on that price but was great because of fit with Luka.And i feel the same way about Desmond Bane,trying not to be influenced by random mocks,3D potential/secondary creation,high motore,nba ready body.

Watch on YouTube

[arkuo]

What do you fellas think?

Are we good enough to draft for need? Or do we take BPA?