The Dallas Mavericks should not have traded back in the NBA Draft

Generally speaking, I am happy when the Dallas Mavericks utilize one asset to create more assets down the line, but in the case of the 2019 NBA Draft, the Mavs missed out on some guys that are ready to contribute right away.

I trust Mark Cuban, Donnie Nelson and Rick Carlisle to get the right guys in the draft on a regular basis. We have seen time and time again that the Dallas Mavericks have come away with a guy that people viewed as a steal or someone with a lot of potential. It happened with Justin Anderson, Dennis Smith Jr., Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson.

This year, it felt like things were a little different. As opposed to going for those guys that could be steals, the Mavs had their guy in mind and stuck with him, even after trading down to get him. They got assets back, but decided against going after players that were very highly viewed pre-draft, but fell for some reason.

This should in no way be viewed as a shot at Isaiah Roby. I am very eager to see what kind of player Roby turns in to, and if he can figure out his shot and his overall offensive game, he could end up being exactly the type of pick that I talked about earlier. It is going to take time for him to get to that point.

My honest assessment of the draft is that Dallas should have absolutely stayed with the 37th pick and gotten one of the guys that were falling.

Bol Bol was a projected lottery pick at one point and wasn’t taken until the 44th pick. I am sure Dallas knew something, but it seems like an interesting decision to not at least take a chance on a guy that could be one of the best from the entire draft class. At 7’3″ and with the skill set that he possesses, it seems crazy enough that he even made it down to the middle of the second round.

Aside from Bol, the Mavs also had a chance to take Admiral Schofield. Schofield was the guy that a lot of Mavericks fans really wanted, due to his 3-D potential, his experience and leadership and the fact that he appears NBA ready at this point. Schofield may not be the elite defender that Roby could be, but he isn’t going to be a big step down.

The other guy that I personally wish the Mavs had taken was the guy actually selected with pick number 37. Deividas Sirvydis projects to be a solid shooter in the future, something Dallas can never have too much of. Sirvydis is still young but has a chance to be special.

Again, this is not supposed to be a shot at Roby, but I think the Mavs approached this draft a little more shortsighted than those of the past. If they stayed at pick 37, the Mavs could have a role player this year. As it sits now, my guess is Roby won’t be a part of the Mavs rotation this coming year.