Dallas Mavericks: Why they should keep their 2020 first round pick

Why Dallas Mavericks should keep the pick: 3. Chance to add another key piece

The Mavs have options. Luka Doncic became a bonafide superstar in his second NBA season. The 21-year-old gives Dallas a wide-open championship window for the next six-plus seasons. His running-mate Kristaps Porzingis is only 25.

The Mavericks only players over 30 entering this season were Boban Marjanovic, Courtney Lee, and J.J. Barea. They are a young team that has time on its side.

That leaves the door open for Dallas to shoot for upside with their first-round pick or take a player capable of contributing right away. The front office may feel they can develop raw talent into a key piece as Doncic enters his prime. The Mavericks will only be able to trade the pick for a role player. They could draft someone substantially better than that.

Some may say that isn’t possible at pick 18. Pascal Siakam, John Collins, Kyle Kuzma, Caris LeVert, Montrezl Harrell, and Josh Richardson were all taken later since 2015. Going back just a bit further adds names like Nikola Jokic, Rudy Gobert, and Tim Hardaway Jr. to the list. There will be quality talent available. Finding it will be the difficult part for Dallas.

Next: No. 2