Remember the 1998 draft? That was the year the Mavs wheeled and dealed their way to signing a gangly German kid who would change the franchise forever. This year’s draft feels that big. And on June 22, the Mavs have the chance to change the team’s trajectory one more time. These are the top five picks Dallas should be ready to call on Thursday.
1) Jonathan Isaac (PF 6’11” 205 lbs, Florida State)
Surely the Mavericks have gone over this pick a million times in their war room. If Isaac is there, you have to take this kid. He’s what scouts casually and lovingly refer to as a freak on the court. Size, strength, agility – he’s a poor man’s KD. Maybe even a poor man’s Giannis Antetokounmpo. Either way, he already is a Al-Farouq Aminu. Like most kids coming out of college, Issac’s shot needs developing; but good form is there. Hustle play after hustle play, rebounds, and defense. Yes, yes, and give us some more of that! This should be the Mavs number one choice at number nine.
“For me, because I believe in length beyond anything else, I want the biggest team possible that I can put on the floor. And a team that has struggled to rebound as much as the Mavericks have struggled to rebound over the last few years, by the absolute slightest of margins if it were me I’d probably be leaning toward Isaac.” – Chuck Cooperstein (interview with Tim Cowlishaw on 103.3 ESPN radio)
2) Dennis Smith Jr. (PG 6’3” 195 lbs, North Carolina State)
This is the most intriguing guard in the draft. In that he has great scoring capabilities, and great athleticism, but being overlooked because of his assist to turnover ratio (2:1) and lack of court vision. The Mavs should see it as a young player, hasn’t even turned 20 yet, in a big environment who got better as the year went on. That’s what you want, right? The Mavs would be getting an elite guard who could play both positions and when his 3 point shot improves, all the drive and kicks! Side note, this is a future slam dunk champion, but let’s worry about that later. “Smith is a strong, explosive point guard who thrives taking the ball to the rack. The best part about this fit is he’ll be great with the spacing Dirk Nowitzki provides. The worst part about this fit is Dirk won’t be around forever.” — SB Nation’s Ricky O’Donnell
3) Malik Monk (SG 6’4” 197 lbs, Kentucky)
This would be a solid get for the Mavs at number nine. Monk’s upside as a scorer is unlimited. Millions watched this guy pour in 47 points against eventual champion North Carolina this year. He can pull up from anywhere on the court. He doesn’t shy away from the big shot and is a great drive and finish guy, despite his small frame. The main downside people see is his size on the defensive end. At the next level, he will continuously be asked to defend guys bigger and stronger. “He might be a Jason Terry play-alike and that’s not a bad thing.” – Mike Fisher
4) Lauri Markkanen (PF 7’0 230 lbs, Arizona)
What’s not to like about an athletic power forward who shoots lights out? Not to mention he is seven-feet tall, and according to my friend Enzo Amore, “you can’t teach that!” Finish players are usually reserved for hockey, but this time around, it’s a hardwood hero Dallas needs. If the Mavs dial up his number on draft day, cue up the Dirk comparisons and the more realistic Ryan Anderson ones. Markkanen can help right now, which is what you hope the Mavs are looking for. Please, no more projects – we need play makers. The Marksman is just the guy. “He is arguably the best shooting 7-foot center to ever play college basketball. Markkanen made 42.3 percent of his 3s last season and scored them in a variety of ways.” – @cstonehoops
5) Frank Ntilinka (G 6’5” 190 lbs Strasbourg, France)
French Frank, as Dirk likes to call him, is a gamble with a high upside and Roddy B downside. Roddy B had his moments, but the Mavs need a point guard of the future. Still not sold that Frank is it. His jumper needs improving, but court vision and defensive wingspan would make any scout drool. Watching him on tape, Ntilikina has good footwork and can finish drives. There’s plenty to like about his game, but he’s definitely a wild card who seems like more of a project than the first four. “The 18-year-old Ntilikina was one of the most promising prospects out of France the last 2-3 years. Listed at 6-foot-5, he helped France win the U18 European Championships by averaging 15.2 points, 4.5 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 2.2 steals in the tournament.” – Kevin Sherrington, DMN
Honorable Mentions
Notably it has been reported this week that the Mavs have also met with Luke Kennard from Duke, and Zach Collins from Gonzaga. Both nice roll players, but maybe not starters in the NBA. While Luke can fill it up, he isn’t getting his own shot very easily at a two position and Zach simply can’t stretch the floor like a four should per his body type. Saw bigger players give him fits in college.
As Dirk proclaimed last week, on his visit with Jeff ‘Skin’ Wade on 105.3 the fan, “we obviously want a point guard.” But don’t get it twisted. If Malik Monk, Lauri Markkanen or Jonathan Isaac fall to nine, we have to pull the trigger. Seth Curry may still be the Mavericks best option at PG. But, let’s hope Christmas comes early for all MFFL’s sake.
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