| 30 Teams, 30 Days: Dallas Draft Preview (34th, 50th, 60th) Authored by Andrew Perna - June 28, 2007 - 1:04 pm
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The Mavericks may not have a first round selection, but they should still be able to find a difference maker at the thirty-fourth pick. They’ll likely use their later second round picks to find talent overseas, or acquire players to battle for a roster spot this fall.
What they do well
During the 2006-2007 regular season the Mavericks rarely did anything wrong, cruising to one of the NBA’s best records of all-time (67-15). Their scoring was more balanced than ever, with guys like Josh Howard and Jason Terry helping Dirk Nowitzki become the League’s 2007 MVP. For the first time in a long time, the Mavericks weren’t considered just an offensive powerhouse – and their trip to the 2006 NBA Finals and subsequent regular season success cemented their evolution as a franchise.
Unfortunately for Mark Cuban and company, what took place in the first round showcased the holes they still do have in their roster and game plan. Regardless of who you are, you have to have found it ironic that the Warriors beat the Mavericks at their old-game (the very same game they tried to get away from in order to be considered a legitimate title contender).
Where do they need improvement?
I’m not saying they don’t have any athletic players, but Dallas might look for a speedy post player to help them adapt to different styles. Dirk is mobile for a big guy, and they have Terry and Devin Harris with wheels in the backcourt, but a seven-footer with quickness and less responsibility on the offense end could help the Mavericks beat teams like Golden State with greater frequency.
They could also use a shooter, like most NBA teams these days. Dirk and Terry are natural gunners, but the rest of their starting five lacks spot-up talent. Devin Harris would be an elite point guard in the League if he had more of an offensive game and Josh Howard has improved his jump shot, but it’s still not going to instill fear in the hearts of opponents.
Who they should target?
With multiple second round choices the Mavericks have the ability to gamble and hope that at least one of their picks has staying power. Their thirty-fourth selection has the potential to have that type of staying power, being just a few minutes shy of first round talent. Whether they look for a big, or a shooter – there will be plenty to choose from in the second round.
-Kyrylo Fesenko, Ukraine
Fesenko could be the type of seven-footer I was talking about for the Mavericks. He’s not a great defender, but his athletic ability and long arms make for a good start on the NBA level. His offensive game isn’t much, if at all, better than Erick Dampier’s but he’s much more agile.
-Sean Williams, Boston College
If Williams drops out of the first round, due to his off-court issues, the Mavericks would be wise to snatch him up. If it weren’t for his rap sheet Williams would be a lock for the first round, and maybe even the Lottery, but teams are shying away from guys with “baggage” these days. His defensive abilities would be welcomed on Avery Johnson’s squad.
-Aaron Afflalo, UCLA
I have no idea why Afflalo would fall into the second round, but more than one credible Draft site has him slipping out of the first round. If he does Dallas should make him their man at the thirty-fourth pick. He’s got talent and experience, which you cannot teach, and would learn a lot from the Mavericks’ current roster.
Picks over the past five years
Picking Dirk was unquestionably their best draft find, but their more recent picks haven’t been too shabby either.
2006
Maurice Ager, 28th
JR Pinnock, 58th
2005
No picks
2004
Devin Harris, 5th
Pavel Podkolzine, 21st
Vassilis Spanoulis, 51st
2003
Josh Howard, 29th
Xue Yuyang, 57th
2002
Mladen Sekularac, 55th
2001
Kyle Hill, 44th
Kenny Satterfield, 54th
2000
Etan Thomas, 12th
Dan Langhi, 31st
Pete Mickeal, 58th
What do you think Dallas should hunt for in the second round… Andrew.Perna@RealGM.com |
