Dallas Mavericks NBA Draft 2020 grade: Tyler Bey

Dallas Mavericks NBA Draft 2020 grade: Tyler Bey

The Dallas Mavericks entered NBA Draft 2020 with two selections. They were at 18th and 31st overall. Fans did not know what to expect because the Mavs were rumored to be shopping the picks, but things turned out well for Dallas.

They selected Josh Green in the first round. The 6’6 3-and-D wing was eager to be a Maverick. Dallas followed up with Tyrell Terry in round two. Fans thought they were done for about an entire minute until the Mavericks swung a trade for Josh Richardson and the 36th overall pick. It cost them a key piece in Seth Curry, but Dallas improved their middle of the pack of the defense.

The Mavs doubled down by selecting Tyler Bey at 36 overall. The 6’7 wing fills a need for the organization. Let us take a closer look at his game and give an instant reaction grade on the pick.

Dallas Mavericks NBA Draft 2020 grade: Tyler Bey

Bey won Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2020. He has a 7’1 wingspan and broke the combine record in the vertical at 43.5 inches. The 22-year-old is a plus athlete that should make a defensive impact in the NBA quickly. He has fantastic instincts, can guard multiple positions, and does well at creating havoc.

Bey fills the role that Michael Kidd-Gilchrist played last season. Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle can insert him into the game to slow down a hot scorer. Bey’s offensive game is developing, but his defense chops interested the Mavericks here. Fans can read more about his skill set here.

Dallas Mavericks grade for selecting Tyler Bey in the 2020 NBA Draft: B

Fans wanted Robert Woodard II over Bey, but the Mavericks decided the defense was more important. The 22-year-old figures to be an end of the bench option for the Mavs as a rookie, so having one elite skill outweighed Woodard’s better overall game. Dallas did well at filing a need here, but he wasn’t the best player available.

NBA Draft 2020 turned into an outstanding night for the Dallas Mavericks. They can add pieces in free agency, but the Mavs have improved their roster significantly. Stay tuned for more analysis on the draft.