Dallas Mavericks: Bamba vs. Jackson vs. Bagley

There is a very good chance that the Dallas Mavericks will end up with the third pick in the NBA Draft this year. With DeAndre Ayton and Luka Doncic likely to be gone at that time, the Dallas Mavericks have an important decision to make.

When it is all said and done and the 2018 NBA Draft is ready to get started, I think that it will be clear that the Dallas Mavericks are going to select a big man. After Luka Doncic, the only other non big man worth taking early in the draft would be Michael Porter Jr. who comes with his own set of risks.

That said, it is likely that Dallas will narrow their drafting pool to three players, barring any setbacks or steps forward in the Draft Lottery. Those three players are Duke’s Marvin Bagley III, Michigan State’s Jaren Jackson Jr., and Texas’ Mohamed Bamba. These three players are all pretty different but could each help the Mavs in ways that are needed.

Let’s take a look at all three and see how they would best and worst impact the Dallas Mavericks.

Marvin Bagley III

Bagley is certainly the most accomplished offensive player of the three and is the best player currently as well. His offensive game is really impressive, averaging 21 points per game and being named the ACC player of the year. He has a lot of other areas in his game that need some work but, at his base, he is an offensively gifted player that has the tools to survive on defense.

Speaking of his defense, Bagley really needs to prove that he can play defense at an elite level. He has been aided by having Wendell Carter next to him at Duke, but if he joins the Mavs they will need him to be a showstopper on the defensive end. It may happen or it may not but at least Dallas would get a show-stopping rebounder to hang their hat on.

Biggest strength: Rebounding

Biggest weakness: Defense

Mohamed Bamba

Mo Bamba is one of the more intriguing prospects in the draft. He is the biggest and longest big man, which is backed up by his insane block numbers (3.6 per game) during his freshman year at the University of Texas. Defense is going to be the strength of Bamba’s game for most of his career but his offense does have some strengths.

Bamba will be an above the rim offensive and defensive threat during his career, but his shooting is looking serviceable and should make a jump in the NBA. I really believe Bamba has the highest ceiling of these three players. If he can bulk up a little bit in the NBA, he could be a force.

Biggest strength: Defense and size (7’9″ wingspan, 9’6″ standing reach)

Biggest weakness: Strength

Jaren Jackson Jr.

If I am being honest, I have not yet become completely sold on Jaren Jackson Jr. at this point. I can see his athleticism and potential but I do not believe that he has the proven side over Bagley or the potential side over Bamba. That said, Jackson at his best would be a more complete player than either of the other two.

Unlike Bamba and Bagley, Jackson has shown real flashes of brilliance on both sides of the ball, making him a potential two-way threat. This makes him a very intriguing prospect and someone who will catch the eye of some team in the top of the draft. Dallas would do well to pick him, but he may not be a better choice than the other two.

Biggest strength: Size and agility

Biggest weakness: Foul trouble and still very raw

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The Dallas Mavericks will do their due diligence to decide which of these big men fits their system best, but it is obvious that all three of these guys are high on the draft board. Now we just wait and see where Dallas will get to pick.