2017 Draft: Which Approach Will The Dallas Mavericks Take?

With the NBA Draft drawing closer every single day, the Dallas Mavericks are going to need a game plan for what they want. Are we better off drafting for needs or quality?

Every year I join basketball and football fantasy leagues and struggle with my draft strategy. Do I grab the best players available (value) or do I try to fill out my roster position-by-position (need)? As nerve-wracking a decision it may be for a fantasy league connoisseur like myself, one can only imagine how the Mavericks front office will feel during this year’s draft.

As fans, it’s easy to suggest who or which position the Mavs should draft with their top-10 pick. However, the decision is highly predicated on the route taken by teams choosing ahead of Dallas. I get it though, half the fun is in the speculation.

With that said, let’s put on our GM caps and look at some options for the Mavs.

Draft By Need

Despite the success of Seth Curry and Yogi Ferrell last season, Dallas will be looking to add a pass-first PG. Albeit jokingly, this was made clear when Dallas had Tony Romo suit up as a “Maverick for a day” in their final home game this past season. Aside from court vision, the ability to defend top point guards in the west is imperative.

Frank Ntilikina

If the Mavs decide to take this route, I’m all in for Frank Ntilikina out of France. Between his raw athleticism, passing ability and awareness on defense, there’s a lot to like about the 18-year-old guard. He fills so many needs that he may be the smartest selection.

Personally, I’m content with Yogi Ferrell running the point. However, I understand the concerns about him. Although he plays big, his stature betrays him. For that reason, I find it hard to visualize him guarding the likes of Steph Curry, James Harden or Russell Westbrook.

Frank could bulk up a bit more, but he already has the footwork to be effective on defense. His quickness and affinity for driving to the basket are added bonuses. I wouldn’t mind investing in his potential.

Draft Best Available

As I mentioned before, who the Mavs select will rely heavily on the flow of the draft. Let’s say a team with a higher pick decides to go for the shock and awe approach and a top-5 prospect slips down to us. Although highly unlikely, if this were to happen, I would love Jayson Tatum to be that player.

Jayson Tatum

I can see Tatum being a utility wing player, similar to Harrison Barnes. If Dallas is trying to move with the small ball wave, Tatum fits right in. As a matter of fact, it’s not out of reason to imagine he and Barnes in the lineup at the same time.

Tatum’s height and build allow him to create a mismatch for smaller small forwards while his outside shooting keeps power forwards and centers honest on switches. When that happens, his excellent handles and driving ability make him a threat to finish at the rack.

If nothing else, Dallas can use all the added offense it can get. After all, finishing dead last in points per game (97.9) isn’t a trend worth continuing. Tatum may be the solution on the offensive end.

Unpopular Opinion

I would be remiss if I didn’t give an honorable mention to my personal favorite draft prospect, Bam Adebayo. I know he’s not the sexy pick to make but I feel he and Nerlens Noel can wreak havoc in the paint on both ends. I’m still a proponent of big men that actually score and defend in the paint.

Call me crazy, but I would love to see a Mavs team that emphasizes defense moving into the post-Dirk era. Although the recent youth movement saw the Mavericks scoring more efficiently, defending the basket was often an issue. I am certain that Dallas can find a way to continue scoring the ball while adding more attention to defense.

Next: Dallas Mavericks: Star or Stud as Starting PF?

Whichever direction the Mavs choose to go, I’ll support it. I for one am just happy that we have an excellent pick in a stacked draft class. I also trust our front office to make the best decision for us moving forward.