The Smoking Cuban
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Chances of Luka Doncic falling to the Mavericks

By Jasmyn Wimbish

BELGRADE, SERBIA - MAY 18: Luka Doncic of Real Madrid in action during the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four Belgrade 2018 Semifinal match between CSKA Moscow and Real Madrid at Stark Arena on May 18, 2018 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)
BELGRADE, SERBIA - MAY 18: Luka Doncic of Real Madrid in action during the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four Belgrade 2018 Semifinal match between CSKA Moscow and Real Madrid at Stark Arena on May 18, 2018 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images) /
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The Dallas Mavericks may not have to trade up to get Luka Doncic after all.

During an appearance on Adrian Wojnarowski’s podcast, “The Woj Pod” ESPN draft analyst Mike Schmitz shared his thoughts on the chances of Doncic falling to Dallas at the No. 5 spot in the draft next week.

Wojnarowski prompted the discussion by talking about how the Mavericks previously thought they would have to trade up to get him. Woj asked Schmitz if he thinks Doncic will be available when Dallas is on the clock.

"“I think absolutely he could. We talked about if Bagley’s the guy who goes No. 2 and Jaren Jackson at three, I mean it’s hard to pass on a guy like Mo Bamba. There are interesting guys at the top of this draft. Mo Bamba has killed the pre-draft process, which is no surprise to me because you have a guy with a 7’10” wingspan who can shoot 3’s and is as intelligent as he is. His camp has done an awesome job in terms of packaging him to these NBA teams. You have these freaks at the top, so I think Doncic could very well be there for Dallas, which would be a match made in heaven I think.”"

Depending on what mock draft you follow, most have Luka Doncic going No. 4 to the Memphis Grizzlies. However, it was rumored earlier this week that Memphis could be persuaded to trading the No. 4 pick along with Chandler Parsons.

Although it’s just speculation, if the Mavericks luck into Doncic falling to them at five, it would be a huge get for a team desperate for young talent to pair with Dennis Smith Jr.

If Dallas wants to ensure that Doncic lands with them then putting together a deal for the No. 4 pick could guarantee that, but even then it’s still not a sure thing that the 2018 EuroLeague MVP is still on the board.

Next: Mavericks should not be worried about Luka Doncic’s defense

However the draft shakes out on June 21st, Dallas will get someone who can improve this team, regardless of who it is.