Dallas Mavericks 2017 NBA Draft Big Board 1.0

Based off potential, Tatum could be in the top 5 conversation like he was going into his first season at Duke. He has the prototypical body and game for an NBA small forward at 6’8″, 200 pounds. Tatum is a prime candidate that could go up my board for the Mavericks, but due to his recent play and fit next to Harrison Barnes, he comes in at 11 for me.

Better known as “Bam” in Lexington, Adebayo is a force in the middle for Kentucky. He is one of my favorite prospects in the draft with an elite motor and presence in the paint on both ends of the floor. His lack of an offensive game, height, and jump shot hinders him some, but has drawn comparisons to Bismack Biyombo and a poor man’s Dwight Howard.

Anunoby started making his lottery case last year at Indiana and was building his way into a top 10 pick until a recent injury that will sideline him for the remainder of the season. He is athletic, long, and physical as one of the best wing players in the draft. It is unsure how his injury will affect his decision to come out or his draft stock. I could see him being a better version of Aminu at the next level.

Bridges is just the latest smaller, energy driven power forward to come out of Michigan State. Standing at just 6’6″, Bridges gives the Spartans playmaking and athleticism at the four spot similar to past players in the program. He has the talent to play in the smaller NBA and would likely come off the bench in Dallas.

Ferguson was originally supposed to attend Arizona, but decided to go play professional ball in Australia instead. Ferguson is a sharpshooting wing that can fill it up with some of the best in the class. Back in November, Chad Ford said he could have been in the same category as Monk if he stayed committed to Arizona.

For the Mavericks, getting a point guard in this upcoming draft class would be ideal. But in some situations, it might be hard for Dallas’ brass to pass up on a particular talent.

With Dallas in a half-way rebuild mode and having some veterans on expiring contracts, the draft board could be wide open for them come the summer. Even with Harrison Barnes locked in long-term, drafting a wing that could play alongside of him in smaller lineups wouldn’t be the end of the world.

Next: Yogi Ferrell is Ready for the Opportunity in Dallas

Over the next couple of weeks we will update our draft board accordingly based off recent play, injuries, and moves the franchise makes.