Dallas Mavericks: Three Prospects in 2018 Draft Class

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NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 22: NBA Commissioner speaks as the draft board is seen displaying picks 1 through 30 after the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

If the Dallas Mavericks fail to reach the playoffs in the 2017-18 season, here are three prospects they should consider at the top of the draft.

We are three days into free agency and the Western Conference has only built upon their kingdom by bringing over Paul George, Jimmy Butler, Paul Millsap and others from the East.

Suddenly, fringe playoff teams like Minnesota and Denver look like locks to be playing in April. With the Dallas Mavericks still sitting on the sidelines and building for the future, they could be finding themselves at the top of the lottery next year.

On top of that, drafting for need will actually be in play for Dallas. Assuming that the 23-year-old Nerlens Noel will be back at center for multiple years and the newly drafted 19-year-old Dennis Smith Jr., drafting the “best available” might not be their goal.

Prospects such as DeAndre Ayton and Mohamed Bamba are top six prospects, but don’t make sense with Noel so young. The same could be said about point guard prospects Collin Sexton and Trevor Duval.

If Dallas is looking at the top prospects of next year’s draft, here are a few names that should get Mavs fans excited.