Changing Fate for the Dallas Mavericks Post NBA Lottery

Fate- the development of events beyond a person’s control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power.

The Dallas Mavericks went from the third worst team in the NBA to the fifth pick in the draft after NBA lottery night. An organization’s future set by a lottery format is indeed chaotic. No matter the case, it is the system set in place. The league is full of misfortunes. LeBron James is the latest victim of fate. A man whose glaring “black eye” of his career was “The Decision.” The irony writes itself.

Fast forward to present time: LeBron James had a legendary game go to waste due to events out of his control. A missed free throw, insanely followed by one of the worst misreads in NBA history, this is pure agony.

As far as the Dallas Mavericks are concerned, the franchise may be out of the Doncic sweepstakes, but they still have a chance to right fate’s wrongdoings. Possessing the fifth pick in this year’s draft is not a damning situation. Mark Cuban and Co. are not short on options in a draft full of adequate prospects.

The Mavericks are projected to be in a safe place to fill positional needs. Texas center Mohamed Bamba seems to be the safest assumption going fifth. Fate, however, is not in the business of validating assumptions. There is always a chance of Bamba getting drafted ahead of the heavily-projected fifth spot. Draft day is full of jaw-droppers and head-scratchers, point in case, the 2013 draft which saw Anthony Bennet go first overall.

Prepare for the unexpected and the Mavericks reaction to whatever the NBA Gods throw at them.

The Mavericks center position is up in limbo entering the offseason; a reoccurring issue besides Tyson Chandler’s two short, yet memorable stints with Dallas. History shows Dallas doesn’t fare well in the free agency race regarding first-option free agents, and the center position in general. Despite this evidence, the Mavericks have some unique scenarios which point to the change of misfortune.

Center being the most vital position is an idea of yesteryear. Elite wings have since proven they are the needle-moving players who provide long-term success. Unless another Shaq comes along, versatile forwards are the way to go. Even with all that said, each team’s dynamic is different. Rick Carlisle’s fondness of bigs who roll to the basket keeps the “Bamba to Dallas” narrative alive.

Bamba’s numbers may not reflect it, but he does have a faint stroke from beyond the arch. Still, will his three-point shot transition to the NBA? We’ve seen bigs such as Karl Anthony Towns whose talents were bogged down by collegiate coaching. Only time will tell if Bamba suffered the same plight.

Opinion: if Bamba isn’t on the board, I think Michael Porter Jr is the answer.

To ignore Porter Jr’s injury history would be foolish, but to damn him for it could reveal to be just as costly. A 19-year old prospect needing back surgery is a scary thought for NBA front offices and fans alike. Nevertheless, MPJ’s talent is worth the risk, especially with the training staff the Mavericks organization has at its disposal.

This scenario is reminiscent of the 2011 draft which saw Kyrie Irving go first overall, despite only playing 11 games that season. Of course, Irving suffering a toe injury isn’t as dire as back surgery, even so, it was a risk no matter how you spin it.

Sometimes to make a splash, you have to dive in where others are afraid to venture. MPJ’s skills are worth treading the waters of the deep end. There’s a reason he finished no.2 on ESPN’s top 100 prospects in 2017, only trailing Marvin Bagley III.

MPJ didn’t participate in on-court drills during the NBA Combine but did offer NBA GM’s solace when he stated he would allow teams to see his medical records.

"“I don’t need to go no.1, I just want to be in the right situation”"

This claim feels to be as strategic as MPJ’s decision not to workout at the combine. The Mavericks and Michael Porter Jr would be a mutual fit. If selected by Dallas, he could either play the stretch-4 position or allow Harrison Barnes to transition to power forward officially. Porter’s versatility opens up so many more possibilities for Rick Carlisle. Imagine Porter Jr. playing center in spot minutes with Dennis Smith Jr and J.J. Barea in the lineup. Knowing Carlisle’s lineups, this idea is not farfetched.

Let’s say the Mavericks don’t go with a center in the draft and choose to go into free agency looking to reverse their past misfortunes. There are some centers available due to certain circumstances.

DeMarcus Cousins seems to be the top free agent on the Mavericks radar. Despite his volatile personality, his talent is what keeps his name bubbling. Cousins is seeking max offers, but unfortunately for the all-star center, his recent Achilles injury more than likely will impede that expectation.

Thankfully for Cousins, the Mavericks aren’t afraid of Achilles injuries, ask Wesley Matthews. Cousins body type is on a whole other scale than Matthews. Still, history has a strange way of repeating itself. If Mark Cuban gives Cousins the coveted Brink truck, we’ll know the team’s mindset heading into the season.

More from The Smoking Cuban

Restricted free agency is the safer bet for the Mavericks this offseason.

The Houston Rockets were in need of significant assistance against the Warriors in the Western Conference Finals once Chris Paul went down with his hamstring injury. Rumors of LeBron James to the Rockets is nothing new.

Out of the constant three teams ( Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets) mentioned of being LeBron’s next experiment to secure his ninth NBA Finals berth, the Rockets make the most sense. In relevance to the Mavericks, Clint Capela is an RFA this July. Capela had an excellent season for a player of his skillset, averaging 13.9 points and 10.8 rebounds.

If there were a scenario where Houston had to either choose between a defensive big or LeBron James, (I can’t believe I have to finish this sentence) Daryl Morey would lose his job if he didn’t take James. Furthermore, Capela would be a cheaper, and more importantly, safer option to taking a risk on Cousins. It would be fun to watch Cuban put the pressure on Morey once again, reminiscent of the 2014 free agency, except the stakes will be higher for the Rockets this summer.

Next: Should the Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics be in Trade Talks?

“If you don’t like the hand that fate’s dealt you, fight for a new one.” Mesashi Kishimoto

statistics and video credits go to basketball-reference.com Espn.com and the94feetreport.com