Josh Richardson: B+

Every MFFL will agree: Seeing Seth Curry go hurts. A lot.

However, this team needed to improve defensively, especially on the wing. J-Rich gives them that and then some on the offensive end.

Richardson had a down year by his standards in Philly. His 3-point shooting splits took a dip as did his overall production. The defense was still solid, but less remarkable than years prior.

But anyone will tell you that he was grossly miscast on a dysfunctional Sixers team. They essentially had him serve as a secondary point to Ben Simmons. He initiated sets, guarded other point men, and was tasked with making some complex reads.

This is not who Josh Richardson is. He is an effective perimeter stopper against bigger guards/wings and should serve mostly as a secondary offensive piece. Dallas will utilize him in that role and hopefully replicate the efficiency of his Miami days.

During his final year in Miami, Josh Richardson shot 43.2 percent on wide-open 3s, and 39.5 percent the year before. The Mavs took 19.4 wide-open 3s a game last season, third-most in the league. Combined with his defense, if his shooting experiences an uptick…

— Bobby Karalla (@bobbykaralla) November 19, 2020

The Mavericks have a history of bringing out the most in players offensive games. If they can do that with Richardson, then this deal goes from a good trade to an absolute robbery. And if not? Well you still added a starting quality two-way wing player. You can never have enough of those.

Josh Green: B

Looking back at the night one thing became abundantly clear: The Mavericks wanted to add defense. And in Josh Green they did exactly that.

Green is the physical prototype of the modern NBA wing. 6-foot-6 inches tall with a 6’10 wingspan and vertical explosiveness for days. A package that was surely enticing for the Mavs. His tape compliments the physical tools as well, where he shows great instincts and a motor that never stops running.

Offensively he’s still a bit of a project. Fantastic in transition, but very raw off the dribble and in the halfcourt.  The shot shows some promise (36% from three on 2.8 attempts) and looks good mechanically.

Now, the selection loses some points because Green isn’t likely a day one contributor. With Luka’s timeline, that was something I think Dallas should have hoped to find at 18.

But his physical tools and intangibles point to some real defensive upside on a team that badly needed it. All in all, this is a good pick.

Tyrell Terry: A

”He can absolutely shoot the piss out of it,” Mavs GM Donnie Nelson says of Terry.

And he is right. Terry was a 41% shooter on 5 attempts per game last year at Stanford and shot an absurd 58% off of screens, according to ESPN’s broadcast.

He checks every box as a shooter: Range, quick release, spot-up, off the bounce, off of curls, etc… He’s got all of it in his toolbox.

Its why most reputable draft outlets mocked him mid-to-late first. Having such a mastery of basketballs most important skill was sure to court first-round suitors.

But, somehow, he made it to 31 and the Mavs are better for it. The trade of Seth Curry certainly seems like a vote of confidence for Terry from the Mavs brass. Expect to see him in the rotation early next year.

Tyler Bey: B+

In keeping with the theme of the night, the Mavericks took another defensive ace with Tyler Bey.

Bey’s claim to fame is his Jack-of-all-trades approach to defense. He is a 6’7 stick of dynamite who can effectively can guard 1-4 and with a little added weight, even some 5’s.

He fits the defensive mold a lot of teams are looking for in their forwards these days and the Mavs got him in the second round. Much like Terry, another excellent value selection.

His offensive projection is a little murky. At Colorado he operated like a garbage man: cleaning up misses, lobs, and drop offs. He did flash some shooting upside (42% on 1 attempt per game) and can put it on the deck a little bit.

Make no mistake though, Bey was drafted for one reason and one reason only: defensive versatility. An increasingly valuable NBA skill.

Overall: A

The Mavericks were truly one of the big winners of the 2020 draft. They addressed critical needs, mixed in some high upside guys, and got great value at every spot.  Sprinkle in the Richardson trade and you’re looking at a home run. The team and their fans should feel very good about the direction they’re heading.