| Dallas Mavericks Draft Preview Authored by Andrew Theodosi - June 28, 2006 - 6:17 am
Finishing the season with a record of 60-22, the Mavericks were awarded the #28 pick in the upcoming draft. It is unexpected that the upcoming pick will mirror Josh Howard (#29, 2003), who has turned into one of our best players.
"Ideally, we'd like to get some versatility up front, some help with rebounding or a swingman who is athletic," Donnie Nelson said. "But the latter part of the first round is always dicey. The guy hopefully would spend some time in the developmental league, then work hard to earn a spot."
Surprisingly, Nelson failed to mention a backup point guard – could this be a smokescreen or indicative that Terry & Armstrong are returning this offseason.
Who are on the Mavericks minds? It’s tough to say, but here are a few possible suggestions.
James White: Fits the mold of an athletic swingman. White would provide some backup minutes and hold his own as he has been working on his improved shot. His length along with build fit the mold of a great defender in the league, and could eventually work himself as the real backup to SF Howard. White possesses a great work ethic that is vital for a player under Avery Johnson. Struggles slashing as much as he should, which is a problem the whole Mavericks team recently faced in the finals. Besides, someone needs to erase the Michael Finley dunk contest memories. Apparently has a promise at #26 from Los Angeles Lakers
Paul Millsap: Millsap could be a bit of a reach, but he lead the NCAA in rebounding for three straight seasons. His college stats are amazing; 19.6 PPG 13.3 RPG 2.3 BPG 1.9 SPG .571 FG% (2006) and could provide the Mavericks with their own Udonis Haslem. Offense is extremely limited, combined with Dampier and Diop and you have very redundant offense when Nowitzki is out. Millsap provided a dissapointing workout session in which he disappointed critics with his lackluster play and measurements (6’7) he has started to slide down the mock drafts. RealGM’s J.T Magee predicted he would go to New Jersey at 54.
Guillermo Diaz: The Highlight reel Puerto-Rican. Diaz has a phenomenal first step and can blow by a lot of defenders (at a college level). The Miami Junior has great shooting form and can score from a lot of situations but often lacks intensity, especially on the defensive side. Was the best player on a lackluster team that failed to qualify for the tournament, so his game could differ when he is not a marked man – merely a third string point guard on a championship contender. Could turn out to be a successful backup in the league but his height will definitely hinder him.
Quincy Douby: A PG/SG in the Gilbert Arenas mold. Douby has an exceptional ability to put the ball into the basket and when he’s hot, he was damn near unstoppable. His three-point shooting could be of great value to the Mavericks and he knows what to do with the rock in his hands (2:1 Assist/Turnover Ratio). Like Jason Terry, Quincy is a tweener, too small to play the 2. Will always be a defensive liability due to his frame. Could be an effective spot-up player for the Mavericks, to come in and score 5-10 points in 5-10 minutes could prove to be invaluable. Unfortunately, might be gone before Dallas’ pick
Too Early
With pick 28, the cream of the crop is always taken – Dallas should consider moving up 5-10 spots with the following guys in mind
Alexander Johnson: Could be gone anywhere between 17-24. Explosive power-forward who could provide Dallas with some toughness and jaw-dropping dunks.
Thabo Sefolosha: Could be gone anywhere between 16-25, could he have a deal with the Bulls at 16? He provides an option for the future as he will (in my opinion) be able to contribute soon. Has a lot of Josh Howard in him.
Sergio Rodriguez: Extremely fast point guard, Phoenix could be definitely interested in him at #21. Will not fall to #28, but has potential to be Devin Harris-esque.
Please, no…
Dear Donnie Nelson,
Please do not pick any of the following players
a) Joel Freeland
b) Oleksiy Pecherov
c) Steve Novak
Signed,
Mavs Fans
Pick #58
It is highly unlikely that Dallas will be able to draft anyone who will ever contribute to the league at #58, they need to take the best player available and I’m sure Mavs fans everywhere would be ecstatic if one of either Bobby Jones or Taj Gray was picked there.
Best Case Scenario.
#28: James White
#58: Paul Millsap
Undrafted: Bobby Jones |
