Worst to First: The Mavs Top 5 Draft Day Scenarios

 

 

5. Trade out of the first for a veteran.

I can see it now. MFFL’s gathered outside Mavs HQ with pitchforks and torches angrily protesting the shipping off of the franchises’ first high-value pick in many years, as Cuban and Donnie raise a toast to “the pursuit of a big fish.” In all seriousness though, the Mavs brain trust is a smart groups of guys who have a vision for where this franchise is headed. They know this team is starving for young, blue chip talent so the odds of this happening are slim to none.

 

4. Trade back to a later pick(s).

With this draft having a consensus top nine to11 guys, depending on the team you ask, this does not seem like the ideal scenario. However, if the Mavs miss out on one of the five point guard prospects, and don’t like what’s left, why not move back and get some more picks? Keep an eye on Portland if this scenario plays itself out. They have 15, 20, and 26. You might say that isn’t adequate compensation, but in such a deep draft, having three mid-to-late first round picks might hold more value than one late lottery selection.

 

3. Stay at nine.

This is the simplest and most likely scenario. As stated earlier, this draft has a consensus top 10 guys and the Mavs are right on that cut line, so it is essentially picking the best of what’s left. They want a point guard; if Frank or Dennis Smith are there, pull the trigger. If not, then take whoever else is there whether that be Malik Monk, Jonathan Isaac, or Lauri Markkanen.

 
2. Trade up.

Both two and three on this list are interchangeable depending on one thing: Did one of the point guards make it to nine? If the answer is yes, then there is no point in sacrificing assets to trade up and get the player you can get at nine. However, my gut tells me that all of the top five point guards in this class will be gone by the time the Mavs are on the clock, and if they believe that, they should consider this.

 

 1. Keep nine, trade back into the first.

This would be a dream scenario for the Mavericks and their fans. Standing pat at nine and again, taking the best of the rest, and acquire one potential franchise cornerstone whether it be Frank, Smith, or Monk. Then, try to move back into first and add another young prospect. We already pegged Portland as a potential target here, but also keep an eye on Detroit at 12. They’re willing to part ways with their pick to acquire a “win now veteran,” according to ESPN’s Marc Stein. Anyone come to mind? Wes Mathews maybe? If this move were to happen, they could add two young studs AND lower their cap hold.