DALLAS,Texas — Entering draft night there were several rumors revolving around what the Mavericks would do with the 18th overall pick once the team heard the words “The Dallas Mavericks are now on the clock”.
The first rumor reportedly involved the Mavericks targeting Danny Green who was traded by the Lakers to the Thunder in exchange for Dennis Schroeder earlier this week. Eventually, Green was acquired by the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for all-star center Al Horford. Another report surfaced late Wednesday evening that the Mavericks had discussed a potential trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder in which the Mavericks would receive Danilo Gallinari in exchange for the 18th overall pick.
By the time the draft started those reports began to die down, and no trade was made at that time, but the Mavericks were certainly not done by any means with their draft night moves.
Now let’s break down the Mavericks draft from selections to trades.
With the 18th overall pick the Dallas Mavericks select:
G Josh Green University of Arizona
The Australian born basketball standout, has basketball roots. His parents are former semi-professional basketball players, and Green himself has been playing the sport since the age of 5. In 2015 he played and starred at Mountain Ridge High School in Arizona and in 2017 transferred to the IMG Academy in Florida where he would later win a state championship. In 2019 he was selected to be a part of the McDonald’s American Team and committed to play basketball at the University of Arizona.
During his lone season at the University of Arizona, Green averaged 12 points, shot 42% from the field, 36% from the three point line and recorded 46 steals. Rick Carlisle describes Green as a player who can immediately contribute to their success shooting the three ball and playing defense. “We feel like he (Green) is a ready to go 3 and D guy, and feel like he can make plays.” Carlisle went on to express that the teams first priority was acquiring wing defenders and sharpshooters, and Carlisle believes Green fits the bill.
Green stated during his post draft press conference that he had great meetings with the Mavericks during the draft process and hoped to land in Dallas.
The Australian born basketball product certainly got his wish and we shouldn’t be surprised if he sees the floor often and early.
With the 31st overall pick the Dallas Mavericks select:
G Tyrell Terry University of Stanford
The selection of Tyrell Terry with the 31st overall pick has been described in many basketball circles as a “steal”. Terry is another one and done product that produced at an exceptionally high level while playing for the Stanford Cardinal. During his lone season he averaged 14.6 points, 3.2 assists, shot 44% from the floor, 40% from the three point line, and sported a 89% free throw percentage.
Terry earned All Pac 12 honors, including being named to the All Pac-12 freshman team, won Pac-12 rookie of the week twice, and earned Kyle Macy freshman All-American honors.
During the draft process Terry “broke a record” for a basketball IQ test administered by several NBA front offices he had meetings with, and carries the reputation of being a solid shooter from the floor.
Terry will bolster this backcourt, help with the teams three point efforts and provide this team depth at the point guard position.
TRADE!
The Mavericks trade G Seth Curry to the 76ers in exchange for G Josh Richardson and rights to F Tyler Bey
The Mavericks traded fan favorite and well known brother of Steph Curry, Seth Curry in order to acquire Josh Richardson who is known for his ability to play “3 and D” ball and the rights to Tyler Bey from the 76ers.
Richardson throughout his career has started 243 games, averaged 12.4 points per game, and shoots 36% from the three point line. Richardson played most of his career with the Miami Heat and spent one season with the 76ers. He is a proven vet that can come off the bench and can hit the open three, and will be the reliever for starting shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr, and could even crack the starting lineup at the small forward position.
University of Colorado product Tyler Bey is a battle tested prospect. During his collegiate career he appeared in 99 games and started 87 of those games, and is no stranger to adversity. He was benched during their game against Oregon State in 2019, but bounced back over the course of the final 16 games of the 2019 season in which he tabulated 11 double doubles and set a career high for rebounds in a match up against Arizona State in the final week of the regular season.
In his sophomore year, Bey was named to the First Team All Pac 12 and became the second player from Colorado to win the Most Improved Player Award in four years.
Bey finished his junior season averaging 13.8 points per game, 9 rebounds per game, and shot 53% from the field.
The Mavericks Cashed In…
Going into draft night Rick Carlisle made it clear what the draft needs were for his team. The Mavericks wanted to ensure to get better on defense and also select players they felt could be the best utilized in the current construct of their team. The Mavericks not only bolstered their second unit coming off the bench but also acquired players who could bring value to their roster right now to build around their current superstars.
The Mavericks cashed in and made lemonade out of the lemons they were given on draft night.
