Dallas Mavericks draft: 5 options for 18 overall pick

Dallas Mavericks draft option for 18 overall pick: 4. Aleksej Pokusevski

Pokusevksi is a name shooting up draft boards. He is a project that could be long gone before Dallas picks at 18.

Pokusevksi played just 11 games for Olympiakos’ second team this season. He averaged 10.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.8 blocks in 23.1 minutes. Pokusevksi did earn mop-up minutes in one EuroLeague game.

The 18-year-old has scouts drooling, though. He is a seven-footer that can dribble, pass, and shoot. There are questions about the competition he plays against, but athletic big men that can space the floor is where the league is trending.

Pokusevski has a high ceiling, but he is not ready for NBA minutes. It may take a few seasons before he fills a reserve role. This is a play on his upside and the belief that you can develop him into something special.

The Dallas Mavericks have had success with European big men. Would they be willing to wait on Aleksej Pokusevski to develop? Luka Doncic is only 21. The Mavs would love to add a player that helps him immediately, but giving him a unique piece down the line is intriguing. Pokusevski is a player to keep an eye on draft night.

Next: No. 3