Why 2023 NBA Draft lottery will be one of the biggest nights in Mavericks history

Dallas Mavericks need the asset if they are going to build title contender around Luka Doncic

More than anything, a top-ten draft pick is an asset to the franchise. They could use it to select a young talent that could blossom into a star or trade it for a veteran that can help them turn their fortunes around.

The Mavericks are closer than it seems to the elite teams in the Western Conference. Dallas could have easily won their final two games as their opponents were indifferent about the games. That would have put them at 40-42 on the season.

Consider the Mavericks with two superstars on their roster went 6-15 in clutch games after Feb. 8. If they go 10-11 in those games, which is still a losing record in close games, Dallas would have finished tied for fifth in the Western Conference with the Warriors and Clippers.

The Dallas Mavericks need to add rebounding, rim protection, and defense this offseason, but they need assets to make those moves. The cupboard is limited, but things are looking up if they have a top-ten pick to add to the equation. They need to keep their draft choice because that asset could be the difference in them building a contender for next season or not.

The draft lottery always adds a bit of hope too.