The Dallas Mavericks were awarded the #5 overall draft pick in the 2018 NBA Draft when the ping pong balls fell into place at the draft lottery. Names such as Mo Bamba, Jaren Jackson Jr., Luka Doncic, and Michael Porter Jr. have constantly been linked to the Mavs since the organization’s draft slot was secured. While the media speculates about who the Mavs will pick at No. 5, a few current Mavs players offered advice to their incoming teammate.
Dallas Sports Fanatic asked Dennis Smith Jr., Kyle Collinsworth, Maxi Kleber, and Johnathan Motley what advice they would give to the 5th overall draft pick that is being selected by this organization. Their responses share a common theme: you are going to have to work hard and earn it while having the right attitude.
Mavs starting point guard and cornerstone of the franchise Dennis Smith Jr. gives his advice: “Be prepared to work and everything you get, you’re going to have to earn it.”
Johnathan Motley, who spent time with the Mav’s G-League affiliate Texas Legends and knows a thing or two about hard work and perseverance, says “Just work hard and everything else will take care of itself.”
Forward Maxi Kleber, who burst onto the scene last season and is from the same town as Dirk Nowitzki: “It’s always about showing attitude and being willing to learn. Usually everybody does it, so if you make it this far, the people that make it this far they have good attitude and practice and workout to get better and improve and I think that is what you need.”
Second-year swingman Kyle Collinsworth, who also spent some time with the G-League Texas Legends, shares his thoughts: “Believe and work for what you want. That’s the bottom line. You reap what you sow, what you put in is what you get out. Believe in it and work for it.”
The advice offered by these young players is the epitome of what franchise superstar and legend Dirk Nowitzki has practiced and represented during his 20 year tenure as a Dallas Maverick. Nowitzki is known for being the first one in the gym and last one out, even in his later years. The veteran also has the correct attitude to go along with his strong work ethic. He is always ready to work hard and be competitive, but never let his ego get in the way of the team. The fact that the Mavericks youth is already picking up and preaching what Nowitzki and the Mavs organization wants its players to represent should be exciting to Mavs fans. It should also let the future draft pick know the mindset that he needs to bring in once he steps into the locker room.
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