Dallas Mavericks: Revisiting the 2014 NBA Draft

Today, we stop to look at the 2014 NBA Draft and see where the Dallas Mavericks should have done something differently or if they got everything right…

After covering the 2012 and 2013 draft over the last few days, we stop here at one of the most recent drafts to look back on what everyone decided to do, namely the Dallas Mavericks. Seeing as they were only drafted a few years ago, most of these players haven’t come to form yet, so even this revisit will contain a bit of speculation.

The 2014 NBA Draft was one that had a lot of heads turning to see what the Cleveland Cavaliers were going to do with their first pick. Cleveland had been a bottom-feeder team for a few years now since losing Lebron James to the Heat but, it was evident that a few years would be necessary before they would be contending at all. Right?

Notable Players Drafted in 2014

Andrew Wiggins – Rd. 1 Pk. 1 (MIN)

Jabari Parker – Rd. 1 Pk. 2 (MIL)

Joel Embiid – Rd. 1 Pk. 3 (PHI)

Aaron Gordon – Rd. 1 Pk. 4 (ORL)

Doug McDermott – Rd. 1 Pk. 11 (DEN traded to CHI)

Zach LaVine – Rd. 1 Pk. 13 (MIN)

Rodney Hood – Rd. 1 Pk. 23 (UTAH)

Nikola Jokic – Rd. 2 Pk. 41 (DEN)

Dwight Powell – Rd. 2 Pk. 45 (CHA)

Jordan Clarkson – Rd. 2  Pk. 46 (WAS traded to LAL)

State of the Mavs

The Dallas Mavericks had just come off probably the most disappointing playoff loss since 2007 after fighting their way into the 8th seed (despite a 49-33 record) to play the top-seeded San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs appeared unbeatable and Dallas may be in the feeding zone.

Fortunately for all MFFL’s, the Mavs did not view themselves as this crazy underdog that the NBA as a whole saw. 6 games later, they had proven that after tying the series at 3 each thanks largely to Vince Carter.

It was time to make a move to ensure that we would not be at the bottom of the pile again, awaiting yet another first round exit in the playoffs. Was this going to happen through the draft? Was it ever going to be through the draft?

What the Mavs Did

The Mavericks made some very unique moves when it came to the 2014 draft. Just to put it into perspective, at one point Dallas had as many as 4 total selections in the draft, but through numerous pre-draft trades, ended with 0.

These picks that were traded away include the 21st, 34th, 47th, and 51st selections. The players drafted at each spot have not been the most productive thus far: Mitch McGary, Cleanthony Early, Russ Smith, and Thanasis Antetokounmpo.

The 34th and 51st picks were smart trades for Dallas, bringing Tyson Chandler back along with Raymond Felton who have both contributed well for the Mavericks. Chandler I still believe is the best center in Dallas history and Felton may have played his way into a reasonable contract just when his career was taking a turn the wrong way.

Dallas traded the other 2nd rounder to Brooklyn for the rights to Ricky Ledo. Not a great move. The first rounder was lost in a trade with the LA Lakers that brought Dallas none other than Lamar Odom. If that isn’t bad enough news, just know that it was a top 20 protected pick and we got #21.

What the Mavs Should’ve Done

Well clearly the Mavericks should not have taken a chance on Lamar Odom but that is a hard one to fault them on as Odom had been a great player in the NBA before falling on hard times. The Dallas trip effectively sent him into a complete falling out as he retired only a year later.

Odom was a bad call by management but, the 21st pick is so late in the draft that the Mavericks mindset for years has been an experienced veteran over a late pick. This time it did not pan out, especially knowing that names like Hood, Capela, K.J. McDaniels, Jokic and other high potential players were still on the board.

Mark Cuban and the Mavericks organization has continually overlooked the draft and, with years like 2014 where everyone on the draft board seems to be getting minutes for their teams and are playing well early in their careers. It is time to stop looking at free agency and experiment a little with rookies.

Next: Dallas Mavericks: Revisiting the 2013 NBA Draft

With only one year left to revisit before the upcoming 2016 draft, we invite you to go back and see just how the Dallas Mavericks have done in the past drafts, starting with the year 1999. Find all Mavericks coverage, including potential draft picks this year, here at The Smoking Cuban.