Analysts give 6 players Mavericks could select in 2023 NBA draft
With the NBA draft on the horizon, many pundits say the Dallas Mavericks have a difficult choice to make.
The Mavericks hold the No. 10 pick in the 2023 NBA draft on June 22 (TV: ABC and ESPN at 7 p.m.). Some analysts say Dallas should trade the pick, along with other assets, to acquire a star player to pair with Luka Doncic.
Others suggest depending who is on the board when its Dallas’ turn to pick, a rookie could provide a spark to get the team back to the playoffs.
Here are six NBA draft analysts’ opinion on who the Mavericks should draft with the 10th pick:
ESPN’s Johnathan Givony and Jeremy Woo: Derek Lively II, Center, Duke
Lively appears to have helped himself quite a bit in the pre-draft process, having shown improvement over the course of the year at Duke, and now recontextualized himself as the highest upside true center in a draft that’s unusually thin at his position. His range is believed to begin with the Mavericks -- he could provide a long-term answer at center -- and his responsibilities would be made easy by playing alongside Luka Doncic.
CBS’ Colin Ward-Henninger: Jarace Walker, Forward, Houston
Already possessing an NBA body at 19, Walker is the ideal defensive big in the modern NBA, capable of guarding multiple positions and cleaning up the glass. He’s also shown flashes of being a capable 3-point shooter and short-roll playmaker, which would only add to his value.
The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor: Cason Wallace, Guard, Kentucky
Trading this pick should absolutely be on the table for the Mavericks, but if they keep it, then it’d make sense to pair a defensive-oriented player with Luka Doncic. Wallace is the type of player who can take on the opponent’s best scorer and also provide secondary creation.
LATimes’ Dan Woike: Taylor Hendricks, Forward, Central Florida
Like Portland, signals are Dallas is open for business when it comes to this pick because of its desire to help Luka Doncic win immediately. If the Mavericks don’t deal it to help rebuild the depth they lost in the Kyrie Irving trade, Hendricks’ 3-and-D potential might be as strong as anyone in the lottery.
The Athletic’s Tim Cato: Kobe Bufkin, Guard, Michigan
Dallas shouldn’t be interested in drafting any prospect who profiles as a lead guard, but Bufkin projects more as a connector and initiator than a lead scorer. In Dallas, he could play as more of a dynamic 3-and-D wing — thanks to good defensive fundamentals and a 6-8 wingspan — without needing the ball to succeed. It’s possible he rises into the top nine in the next month, although he’s currently seen as a late-lottery pick.
NBA.com’s Drew Packham: Gradey Dick, Forward, Kansas
One of the Draft’s best shooters who can also score off cuts and off-the-ball movement. Puts in the effort on defense, despite being a potential liability.
