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

[Pointguard01]

Good point and you are right that we shouldn't judge future FA signings with the past with Dirk.
The only concerning thing to me is how we would lure an existing superstar or budding superstar to this team with Luka and KP already being virtually our #1 and #2 guys.

If I'm a superstar at or entering my prime, especially a ball-dominant one, I'm not sure I'd want to join Luka and KP. Not sure a superstar ego would allow that to happen unless you have the initial KD.
I always felt one of the problems with the Mavs luring a true superstar during the Dirk era was the fact that this was CLEARLY Dirk's team and that player would have to play 2nd fiddle to him.

Well, strange things do happen .. Jimmy Butler ended up on the Embiid-Simmons 76ers, where it isn't really clear which of those is the real star. But, then again, that wasn't stable for precisely that reason. Kareem-Magic-Big Game James is a rare thing.

I think the Mavs already have two players who are in the top tier. So what the Mavs want is a strong #3 and incrementally improve the surrounding cast. To be honest, I'd probably be checking out of the 2021 FA market and investing in Bertans right now (if the personal politics between him and KP are ok - I just don't know how that rolls, but that is a consideration - let's ask Paija) and trying to get better at defence. (Prize Ntikilina away from NYK somehow or someone similar.)

I probably have more optimism with THJ as the 3rd option than most Mavs fans. He seemed to be developing nicely into that role before the Covid-19 situation and I'd hate to get into another Tyson Chandler situation like we did back in the 2011 off-season. In other words I hate to let him walk and then fail to upgrade that role.

I really like Ntikilna but basically see Wright currently filling a similar role.
However I love the idea of moving Wright and then signing Frank to a contract that would net us a smaller impact to our cap situation without compromising our roster. Plus Frank is younger.

I also really like Bertans as a fit but didn't realize there could possibly be some friction.

One player the Mavs should seriously consider trading for is Josh Richardson. He checks most of the boxes that fill our needs. I'd even consider moving THJ or Seth to net Richardson but only in the right deal. Richardson has a very good team friendly contract so it would take some decent assets to pry him away. I don't think Wright/Brunson/#18/#31 would cut it.

I’m also high on THJ. I’d be concerned as our 3rd best player but have little doubt he’s the #4 guy on a championship team (see the JR Smith role in CLE). He’s no defense specialist but he’s above average. We definitely would need strong defenders around him and Luka (KP and DFS fit that description, so the 3rd / other starter needs it as well).

Love the idea of Josh Richardson. He’s up there on my list of 2021 free agents (Jrue Holiday being #1). And unlike Jrue, he’s attainable as a free agent. Philly won’t have the ability to match our offer as it currently stands w their cap situation. Plus, he’s not a max salary player every team will target.

G - L.Doncic
G - T.Hardaway
F - J.Richardson
F - D.Finney-Smith
C - K.Porzingis

Bench: Curry, Kleber, Brunson, Powell

[GQ03]

As for that second playmaker, I really think Dallas should explore Josh Jackson in free agency as he could easily be that secondary ball-handler that works with Luka because he knows he isn't a PG. Plus, his versatility of being able to play 1-4 on both ends of the floor make him a perfect fit imo.

As for the draft, there are a ton of guys that I think can help but I still see Dallas using #18 to try and get that "3rd star" whether that's Gordon, Markkanen, Turner or someone else is anyone's guess. Even then, there are still a ton of guys that I feel could help Dallas at #31. I just think they should wait for that guy with lottery potential that inevitably drops similar to Bol Bol last year and Mitchell Robinson the year before.

[Teffer10]

I’m also high on THJ. I’d be concerned as our 3rd best player but have little doubt he’s the #4 guy on a championship team (see the JR Smith role in CLE). He’s no defense specialist but he’s above average. We definitely would need strong defenders around him and Luka (KP and DFS fit that description, so the 3rd / other starter needs it as well).

Love the idea of Josh Richardson. He’s up there on my list of 2021 free agents (Jrue Holiday being #1). And unlike Jrue, he’s attainable as a free agent. Philly won’t have the ability to match our offer as it currently stands w their cap situation. Plus, he’s not a max salary player every team will target.

G - L.Doncic
G - T.Hardaway
F - J.Richardson
F - D.Finney-Smith
C - K.Porzingis

Bench: Curry, Kleber, Brunson, Powell

Honestly I think that is a team that could contend considering we'd probably have WCS (or equivalent), Wright, a vet min or 2, and hopefully one of the two rookies will pan out.
Although we're a little small at PF, we'd be putting out a fairly good sized SL with 1-4 all being 6'6 or 6'7 with a 7'3 center.

I wonder though, is there any way we'd have the cap space to sign Hardaway and Richardson without moving Powell and some others like Wright and maybe even Seth?
That's why I'm thinking we'd have to trade for Richardson and he could be a prime target because he could become available for the reasons you mention.
Would Seth/Jackson/#18 be enough for Philly to pull the trigger?
I'd hate to give up Seth but Luka/KP/THJ/Richardson would be a very good and balanced big 4.

[Teffer10]

As for that second playmaker, I really think Dallas should explore Josh Jackson in free agency as he could easily be that secondary ball-handler that works with Luka because he knows he isn't a PG. Plus, his versatility of being able to play 1-4 on both ends of the floor make him a perfect fit imo.

As for the draft, there are a ton of guys that I think can help but I still see Dallas using #18 to try and get that "3rd star" whether that's Gordon, Markkanen, Turner or someone else is anyone's guess. Even then, there are still a ton of guys that I feel could help Dallas at #31. I just think they should wait for that guy with lottery potential that inevitably drops similar to Bol Bol last year and Mitchell Robinson the year before.

Jackson has come up on this board a few times and I do agree his talents would fit in pretty well. The biggest problem with him is his attitude and I'm not sure how him and Rick would mesh. That could become another Noel, Odom, West and Rondo situation.
But you never know though because Rick seemed to do well with SJax, Artest and DeShawn Stevenson.

I'm a little biased being a Jayhawk fan but Jackson could be an elite defender and solid contributor on offense if he'd get his head on straight. Personally I'd take a chance on the guy but I understand the argument by others who say the Mavs shouldn't even consider him.

[ejs78]

All those guys brought up in trade are interesting. I was thinking about 2 if them earlier in Gordon and Turner. I would pass on Gordon, but if Issaac was in a deal I would do it.

Turner I would say is worth the gamble as I feel he can break out on offense The shot blocking of him and KP would be unreal.

Markkanen would also be a pass.

As for that second playmaker, I really think Dallas should explore Josh Jackson in free agency as he could easily be that secondary ball-handler that works with Luka because he knows he isn't a PG. Plus, his versatility of being able to play 1-4 on both ends of the floor make him a perfect fit imo.

As for the draft, there are a ton of guys that I think can help but I still see Dallas using #18 to try and get that "3rd star" whether that's Gordon, Markkanen, Turner or someone else is anyone's guess. Even then, there are still a ton of guys that I feel could help Dallas at #31. I just think they should wait for that guy with lottery potential that inevitably drops similar to Bol Bol last year and Mitchell Robinson the year before.

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[JJP]

I'm having a harder and harder time seeing any of the current Mavs being traded outside of J. Jackson, Wright, or possibly Brunson. Maybe someone calls and offers a great deal, but in the current environment I'm guessing the Mavs keep their draft picks and make a good acquisition in free agency for a solid rotation player.

Many of the trades I see posted are marginal upgrades. Losing good players who are solidly committed to the Mavs system can't be replaced by someone with just slightly better stats somewhere. I don't think there's any reason to start shipping pieces around unless you have a top-notch player - and I don't see that many who are planning to opt of a player option contract or be able to fit their contract into the Mavs needs for 2021. Plus, I don't really see the Mavs gambling this off-season.

Just my opinion.

[Mike lorenzo]

I like Achiuwa from what I read, very athletic boy comparing him if he develops well with Siakam, Ramsey also seems interesting, someone proposed on the trading board Powell + # 31 for Felicio would you do it?

[GQ03]

All those guys brought up in trade are interesting. I was thinking about 2 if them earlier in Gordon and Turner. I would pass on Gordon, but if Issaac was in a deal I would do it.

Turner I would say is worth the gamble as I feel he can break out on offense The shot blocking of him and KP would be unreal.

Markkanen would also be a pass.

As for that second playmaker, I really think Dallas should explore Josh Jackson in free agency as he could easily be that secondary ball-handler that works with Luka because he knows he isn't a PG. Plus, his versatility of being able to play 1-4 on both ends of the floor make him a perfect fit imo.

As for the draft, there are a ton of guys that I think can help but I still see Dallas using #18 to try and get that "3rd star" whether that's Gordon, Markkanen, Turner or someone else is anyone's guess. Even then, there are still a ton of guys that I feel could help Dallas at #31. I just think they should wait for that guy with lottery potential that inevitably drops similar to Bol Bol last year and Mitchell Robinson the year before.

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Isaac and to a lesser extent Fultz are probably the only guys the Magic view as untouchable just based on what I've read on their boards. I like Gordon's versatility in being able to play/defend the 3 & 4 spots. My issue with Turner is while he'd be a great shotblocker with KP, I would need to know which one of them is guarding Jaylen Brown when we play Boston or guarding Kawhi or PG when we're playing the Clippers. I just have a hard time seeing them guarding big wings out on the perimeter with the way basketball has been trending.

[ejs78]

All those guys brought up in trade are interesting. I was thinking about 2 if them earlier in Gordon and Turner. I would pass on Gordon, but if Issaac was in a deal I would do it.

Turner I would say is worth the gamble as I feel he can break out on offense The shot blocking of him and KP would be unreal.

Markkanen would also be a pass.

As for that second playmaker, I really think Dallas should explore Josh Jackson in free agency as he could easily be that secondary ball-handler that works with Luka because he knows he isn't a PG. Plus, his versatility of being able to play 1-4 on both ends of the floor make him a perfect fit imo.

As for the draft, there are a ton of guys that I think can help but I still see Dallas using #18 to try and get that "3rd star" whether that's Gordon, Markkanen, Turner or someone else is anyone's guess. Even then, there are still a ton of guys that I feel could help Dallas at #31. I just think they should wait for that guy with lottery potential that inevitably drops similar to Bol Bol last year and Mitchell Robinson the year before.

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Isaac and to a lesser extent Fultz are probably the only guys the Magic view as untouchable just based on what I've read on their boards. I like Gordon's versatility in being able to play/defend the 3 & 4 spots. My issue with Turner is while he'd be a great shotblocker with KP, I would need to know which one of them is guarding Jaylen Brown when we play Boston or guarding Kawhi or PG when we're playing the Clippers. I just have a hard time seeing them guarding big wings out on the perimeter with the way basketball has been trending.

That's a great point with the Turner/KP pairing.

Gordon has all the tools, but is just missing the "IT". I do like that contract tho.

I really don't think any of these guys move the needle dramatically and would prefer to keep the cheap picks and see what 2021 FA has in store.

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[GQ03]

All those guys brought up in trade are interesting. I was thinking about 2 if them earlier in Gordon and Turner. I would pass on Gordon, but if Issaac was in a deal I would do it.

Turner I would say is worth the gamble as I feel he can break out on offense The shot blocking of him and KP would be unreal.

Markkanen would also be a pass.



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Isaac and to a lesser extent Fultz are probably the only guys the Magic view as untouchable just based on what I've read on their boards. I like Gordon's versatility in being able to play/defend the 3 & 4 spots. My issue with Turner is while he'd be a great shotblocker with KP, I would need to know which one of them is guarding Jaylen Brown when we play Boston or guarding Kawhi or PG when we're playing the Clippers. I just have a hard time seeing them guarding big wings out on the perimeter with the way basketball has been trending.

That's a great point with the Turner/KP pairing.

Gordon has all the tools, but is just missing the "IT". I do like that contract tho.

I really don't think any of these guys move the needle dramatically and would prefer to keep the cheap picks and see what 2021 FA has in store.

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Gordon hasn't shown "IT" because Orlando was wanting him to be the #1 option when he's not really even a #2 especially in whatever offense they want to call that mess they're running over there but as a #3 who can probably get to 20 ppg without us even running any offense through him (think Shawn Marion in Phoenix) I think he'd absolutely fit the bill. Let our coaching staff work on his three ball the way they have with DFS while he gives us tough defense with rim running and thats your 3rd star. The best part of it all is that even though he's been in the league 6-7 yrs he'll only be 25 yrs old next year and will be on the exact same timeline as Luka and KP. The key will be swinging a deal to get him here that beats out the other team and allows us to keep all of Luka/KP/THJ/Curry/Maxi.

[ejs78]

Yes Cliffords offense is no where near Ricks , but Im just not a fan right now. Below average 3pt shooter and he's either really good or really bad with his overall all play. Its kinda weird, but again I like that contract as a selling point.

Isaac and to a lesser extent Fultz are probably the only guys the Magic view as untouchable just based on what I've read on their boards. I like Gordon's versatility in being able to play/defend the 3 & 4 spots. My issue with Turner is while he'd be a great shotblocker with KP, I would need to know which one of them is guarding Jaylen Brown when we play Boston or guarding Kawhi or PG when we're playing the Clippers. I just have a hard time seeing them guarding big wings out on the perimeter with the way basketball has been trending.

That's a great point with the Turner/KP pairing.

Gordon has all the tools, but is just missing the "IT". I do like that contract tho.

I really don't think any of these guys move the needle dramatically and would prefer to keep the cheap picks and see what 2021 FA has in store.

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Gordon hasn't shown "IT" because Orlando was wanting him to be the #1 option when he's not really even a #2 especially in whatever offense they want to call that mess they're running over there but as a #3 who can probably get to 20 ppg without us even running any offense through him (think Shawn Marion in Phoenix) I think he'd absolutely fit the bill. Let our coaching staff work on his three ball the way they have with DFS while he gives us tough defense with rim running and thats your 3rd star. The best part of it all is that even though he's been in the league 6-7 yrs he'll only be 25 yrs old next year and will be on the exact same timeline as Luka and KP. The key will be swinging a deal to get him here that beats out the other team and allows us to keep all of Luka/KP/THJ/Curry/Maxi.

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[JJP]

I was tempted to comment here, but we seem to be mixing in a free-agency discussion into a draft thread.

We might want to clean this up.

[GQ03]

I was tempted to comment here, but we seem to be mixing in a free-agency discussion into a draft thread.

We might want to clean this up.

I've played a big part of that...my bad. Its hard to seriously discuss the draft when the likelihood of us taking and keeping someone is relatively low so the conversation started to shift to what moves could be made using those draft picks.

Sticking strictly with just the draft while there are a ton of guys that I think could help Dallas, the best fits in Devin Vassell, Patrick Williams and Aaron Nesmith will probably be off the board by Dallas' first pick. I wonder what some people's thoughts are regarding Maxey vs Ramsey vs Green? Or even Tyler Bey vs Saddiq Bey?

[JJP]

Sticking strictly with just the draft while there are a ton of guys that I think could help Dallas, the best fits in Devin Vassell, Patrick Williams and Aaron Nesmith will probably be off the board by Dallas' first pick. I wonder what some people's thoughts are regarding Maxey vs Ramsey vs Green? Or even Tyler Bey vs Saddiq Bey?

Well you're top 3 are exactly my top 3. From what I can tell by the mock drafts, we will both be disappointed.

I probably take Kira Lewis, Desmond Bane, Pokuevski, and Saddiq Bey after that in that order. Then those picks you mention after that fall into a big pool that also includes Maledon.

There you have it.

[ejs78]

Ive changed my stance over the last few days. I had Saddiq Bey and Bane had the 2 guys Ive wanted.

Now I think we should gamble on Poku with 18.

18th pick
1. Poku
2. Saddiq Bey
3. Josh Green

31st
1. Desmond Bane
2. Tyler Bey
3. Leandro Bolmaro

Also sorry about the FA talk.

Sticking strictly with just the draft while there are a ton of guys that I think could help Dallas, the best fits in Devin Vassell, Patrick Williams and Aaron Nesmith will probably be off the board by Dallas' first pick. I wonder what some people's thoughts are regarding Maxey vs Ramsey vs Green? Or even Tyler Bey vs Saddiq Bey?

Well you're top 3 are exactly my top 3. From what I can tell by the mock drafts, we will both be disappointed.

I probably take Kira Lewis, Desmond Bane, Pokuevski, and Saddiq Bey after that in that order. Then those picks you mention after that fall into a big pool that also includes Maledon.

There you have it.

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[Mike lorenzo]

S.Bey, Maxey could also be out at # 18 ,. a guy I don't listen to much for Mavs is Achiuwa, he could be my favorite .. # 18Achiuwa / Ramsey # 31 Woodard / Nwora

[ejs78]

Latest mock I found:

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2020-nba-mock-draft-james-wiseman-too-good-to-pass-up-at-no-1-tyrese-haliburton-jumps-into-top-five/amp/

RJ Hampton

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[JJP]

S.Bey, Maxey could also be out at # 18 ,. a guy I don't listen to much for Mavs is Achiuwa, he could be my favorite .. # 18Achiuwa / Ramsey # 31 Woodard / Nwora

I haven't quite figured Achiuwa out.... and he's all over the place in mock drafts. Maybe a big upside though. If he's there at 18 (a big IF since I almost never see a mock draft with him going in the 18-20 range), he's a high a energy guy who would look good in our lineup.

[Pointguard01]

I’ve seen a number of mocks starting to show Patrick Williams falling to mid 1st. While I haven’t seen much of him, I’d be intrigued by his upside. If he’s there, we’d have to take a chance.

I’m also high on THJ. I’d be concerned as our 3rd best player but have little doubt he’s the #4 guy on a championship team (see the JR Smith role in CLE). He’s no defense specialist but he’s above average. We definitely would need strong defenders around him and Luka (KP and DFS fit that description, so the 3rd / other starter needs it as well).

Love the idea of Josh Richardson. He’s up there on my list of 2021 free agents (Jrue Holiday being #1). And unlike Jrue, he’s attainable as a free agent. Philly won’t have the ability to match our offer as it currently stands w their cap situation. Plus, he’s not a max salary player every team will target.

G - L.Doncic
G - T.Hardaway
F - J.Richardson
F - D.Finney-Smith
C - K.Porzingis

Bench: Curry, Kleber, Brunson, Powell

Honestly I think that is a team that could contend considering we'd probably have WCS (or equivalent), Wright, a vet min or 2, and hopefully one of the two rookies will pan out.
Although we're a little small at PF, we'd be putting out a fairly good sized SL with 1-4 all being 6'6 or 6'7 with a 7'3 center.

I wonder though, is there any way we'd have the cap space to sign Hardaway and Richardson without moving Powell and some others like Wright and maybe even Seth?
That's why I'm thinking we'd have to trade for Richardson and he could be a prime target because he could become available for the reasons you mention.
Would Seth/Jackson/#18 be enough for Philly to pull the trigger?
I'd hate to give up Seth but Luka/KP/THJ/Richardson would be a very good and balanced big 4.

I really want to keep Curry as our 6th man off the bench. He’s been so good. You’re right that we have to trade Wright (or Powell) to have the cap space in all likelihood to sign both THJ and Richardson. I don’t see that as super difficult, Wrights w good player on a solid contract.

Wright + 2021 2nd rounder for an expiring seems like an easy deal to make happen.

[ejs78]

https://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2020/07/20/2020-nba-mock-draft-3-0-is-james-wiseman-the-no-1-overall-pick/

Another mock from yesterday

RJ Hampton to Dallas again.

Latest mock I found:

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2020-nba-mock-draft-james-wiseman-too-good-to-pass-up-at-no-1-tyrese-haliburton-jumps-into-top-five/amp/

RJ Hampton

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