Options for the Dallas Mavericks in the 2023 NBA Draft
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At the risk of potentially angering superstar Luka Doncic and sending recently-acquired former All-Star Kyrie Irving off into the sunset, the Dallas Mavericks opted towards securing a 2023 NBA Draft selection.
It’s not a sure-fire bet, of course, as there’s still a 20 percent chance the pick will convey to the Knicks at pick No. 11 and beyond, but it’s likely Dallas will leave with a top-ten pick.
There's no guarantee Dallas even keeps the pick, but should they, there are some options that could help in the short and long term. With that in mind, here are some draft options for the Mavericks with their potential new asset:
Taylor Hendricks, UCF
Should the Mavericks want to continue their heliocentric style of play, look no further than UCF’s Taylor Hendricks.
At 6-foot-9, Hendricks is one more versatile forward options in the upcoming draft. He’s one of the top defenders in the class, full stop, and shot a 39 percent from three on 5.4 attempts per game in his lone season with the Knights.
If Doncic is going to continue to primarily handle the ball, having a switchable point-of-attack defender next to him who can lengthen the floor and occasionally take players off the dribble won’t be a bad thing.
Cam Whitmore, Villanova
This could be moot, because Whitmore’s projected range goes as high as No. 3, but his fit next to Doncic and company is an intriguing one.
Whitmore is a hyper-athletic forward with untapped creation and shooting ability. He can play above-the-rim with ease, and should have a stable defensive base coming into the NBA.
He offers some key win-now traits as an off-ball player in the Mavericks current core, with future upside as an on-ball player should things go south. Whitmore would be a great selection for Dallas come draft night, but he may not be there, barring a slide.
Gradey Dick, Kansas
At 6-foot-8, Dick is one of the better pure shooters we’ve seen for a freshman in a decent while. He shot 40 percent from beyond the arc on nearly six attempts per game, showcasing a wide range of shot variety in the process.
He doesn’t need much space to get open, can shoot on the move and plays well off screens. He’s also got sneaky athleticism and decent at-rim finishing.
If the Mavericks are looking to add more offensive prowess around Doncic, Dick could be the play.
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