Dallas Mavericks: 2017 NBA Mock Draft 3.0

By Isaac Harris

Jun 17, 2017

Jan 7, 2017; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) celebrates with guard Matt Jones (13) in the closing seconds of the second half of their game against the Boston College Eagles at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 19, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after a three point basket during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

. . PF. Lauri Markkanen. 7. 86

I still feel that Minnesota is a prime team to trade out of this pick, but if they keep it, they should take a player that is ready to contribute on day one.

Minnesota is ready to make a playoff push with their young core, so taking a young, developmental prospect might not be the best path. Lauri Markkanen would be able to contribute on day one.

Markkanen would give Thibs a stretch four as the best shooter in the draft alongside of Towns. With Rubio, Wiggins, and Towns dominating the ball, Markkanen could stretch out the court and the defense.

Tatum would be tempting, but Tatum needs the ball in isolation scoring and Minnesota has plenty of that already.

27. . . SF. Jayson Tatum. 8

New York, like Dallas, will simply sit back and wait to see who drops to them at the eighth spot.

The triangle offense has been the center of all of their pre-draft workouts and the talent of Jayson Tatum would be something they simply couldn’t pass up.

Then you factor in the likelihood of Carmelo Anthony being moved over the offseason and Tatum would be the natural replacement. Tatum would step immediately into Anthony’s role as the team’s second scoring option alongside of Porzingis.

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