Roundtable: Dallas Mavericks GM For a Day

Kohl Rast

Draft: If I am the Mavericks this year, I think we have one more year where we can skip the draft without hurting ourselves too badly. The fact is that, nearly every year, there is a steal in the 2nd round of the draft. Problem is the Mavs are notorious for missing that steal and taking a swing at someone else.

For this reason, until Dallas decides to give a max contract to the San Antonio Spurs talent scout, I think it is ok to trade away the 2nd round pick for an older veteran that could contribute. There are plenty of players in the league riding the bench that could be utilized much better on different teams and the Mavericks could target one of them.

If Dallas does decide to keep the pick, it is all speculation at this point but I think either Gary Payton II or Perry Ellis if available. Both have tremendous upside but have not shown it yet. A wild card pick is better than someone that we know can fit right in the lineup in my opinion.

Roster: I tend to err on the side of caution when it comes to roster moves. Dallas definitely needs a change, there is no doubt about that. The good thing about free agency right now is that social media has taken a lot of the mystery out of future destinations. Most players or their agents will inform the teams of interest before July 1st.

Because of this, it is imperative that the Mavericks make the right moves this year. Teams that don’t show initial interest in Dallas will most likely not change their mind. We need to avoid the risk and only chase the free agents that are interested in coming.

If Mike Conley, Hassan Whiteside, Harrison Barnes, Al Horford, or Dwight Howard show initial interest in Dallas, we should make every effort to chase them but be ready to call up Deron Williams’ agent at the drop of a hat if Conley falls through.

With Barnes, I think he is too much of a wild card to throw max money at. I know you could say the same thing about Chandler Parsons but, in the end, Parsons has already chosen Dallas once so he likely will again. Definitely go for Parsons first.

At center we have a little more flexibility. Let Zaza Pachulia walk and swing for any and all big name free agents. If we miss, there are smaller names that will still be available and could fit the Mavs system better than Zaza did. Plus we have Salah Mejri.

With all that I say we also try to re-sign Raymond Felton. May not be possible with all the money flying around but he is worth some money right now and we could definitely use him.

More from Mavs News

• Dallas Mavericks: Tyrell Terry injures groin in summer league loss to Jazz
• Mavericks: How to maximize Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis pairing
• Dallas Mavericks: Did they do enough this offseason to jump into title contention?
• Mavericks: What to watch for as Dallas faces Utah Jazz in summer league
• Mavericks: Teammates look to collect debts after Luka Doncic’s extension

Free Agency: Again I put an emphasis on the center position for our free agency search this summer. Dallas definitely can improve at the point guard and center positions but Deron Williams is not only serviceable, but also more than likely our best option outside of Conley.

The likelihood of Conley coming does not seem to be very good but some analysts seem to believe if we can put together a solid other 4, it could catch his eye. If that is the case then, again, Dallas needs a center.

Howard and Whiteside both seem to be plausible (if semi unrealistic) options for the Mavs but either would be a major upgrade at center. Dwight has definitely gained the stigma of a tough player to work with in the league but Dallas could be a destination to solve those issues.

However, if Whiteside really does want to come to the Mavs, he should be the number one option. After those two, there are options such as Al Horford, Al Jefferson, Joakim Noah, Bismack Biyombo, and Pau Gasol as well. Some fit better than others but they are all good options.

The last big need from free agency I think the Mavericks should chase would be a backup power forward for Dirk. They may have a chance to bring Dwight Powell back which wouldn’t be a bad thing but we could definitely do better. I would love to see them get Jared Dudley, Ryan Anderson, or Ersan Ilyasova (if available).

This puts my hopeful, semi-realistic roster as such:

PG- Williams/Barea/Harris

SG-Matthews/Felton

SF- Parsons/Anderson/Evans

PF- Nowitzki/Dudley/Powell

C- Howard/Mejri/McGee

Next: Isaac Harris