3 Ways 2023 NBA Draft Lottery results will shift Mavericks’ offseason plans

The Dallas Mavericks had a ton riding on the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery on May 16. It was their chance to win the lottery and the right to select the uber-talented Victor Wembanyama. Fans and front office members alike were dreaming of the three percent chance becoming a reality, but Dallas also faced the prospect of losing their pick entirely if it fell outside the top ten from the Kristaps Porzingis trade in 2019.

There were plenty of nerves as the names were announced, but Dallas stayed at ten. It was the most likely outcome, and there was a sigh of relief when the Orlando Magic were read at 11 as Dallas knew they were keeping their pick, even if it did not jump into the top four.

The Mavericks needed to keep their pick, but the lottery was just the start of a crucial summer for the franchise. They must improve their roster around Luka Doncic or fears could quickly become reality. Dallas has the selection, but now the difficult decisions begin.

How staying at pick 10 shifts Dallas Mavericks’ offseason plans

3. Another asset for roster in desperate need

The Mavs did not have enough talent after trading for Kyrie Irving in February. Luka Doncic is one of the top five players in the league, but he cannot do it alone. Dallas had rebounding and rim protection issues from opening night, and their perimeter defense and depth were sapped by the blockbuster trade. The Mavericks need help on the wings and at the five, but mostly they just need talent on their roster.

Dallas has limited assets to acquire those upgrades, and losing a lottery pick would have further depleted their stockpile. They now have the tenth pick to add a talented prospect or to use in a trade to acquire some much-needed role players.

Keeping the pick opened more possibilities, but it has far from solved the team’s issues.