Best-case scenario for each of the Mavericks' young talents

The Dallas Mavericks typically trot out an experienced collective of players. Throughout the 2000s and the 2010s, Dallas was led by superstar Dirk Nowitzki. And with Nowitzki on the roster, the Mavs rarely had the opportunity to draft a top prospect.

From 2000 to 2016, the Mavs only drafted two players in the lottery. And neither of those players played a game for Dallas. From 2017 on, the Mavs have selected three players in the lottery. With an aging Nowitzki in the late 2010s, the Mavs found the new face of their franchise in 2018 with third-overall pick Luka Doncic.

Since the addition of Doncic, the Mavs have seemingly prioritized experience to maximize their title window with Doncic on the roster. However, the youth movement became apparent after Dallas hired Nico Harrison to take over General Manager duties.

Since Harrison took over in 2021, the Mavs have added Jaden Hardy, Dereck Lively II, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper all through the draft.

Although Dallas is still one of the oldest teams in the league with an average age of 26.5, they'll likely play six players who are 24 or younger. Doncic and Grant Williams will start, while the others will contribute in other ways.

Jaden Hardy, Dereck Lively II, and Olivier-Maxenc Prosper are all recent Dallas draftees who should receive ample playing time this season. Green has the opportunity to start on the wing, while Lively II is the future at center in Dallas.

Both Hardy and Prosper should contribute off the bench in completely different roles. Hardy will look to score in bunches, while O-Max will be thrust into an energizer role.

Other than the aforementioned draftees, Dallas has two undrafted players on the roster who will likely split time between the Mavericks and their G-League affiliate, the Texas Legends. Mike Miles Jr. and AJ Lawson.

All of these youngsters have yet to even graze their ceilings. Players like Green came into the league unpolished, especially on the offensive end. Lively II and Prosper will likely follow in Green's footsteps as athletic defenders, yet underdeveloped on the offensive end to begin their careers.

As many of the young Mavs are unproven to this point, we'll take a look at the best case scenario for each of these young talents.

6. Josh Green

The Mavs selected Josh Green with the 18th overall pick in 2020 out of the University of Arizona. Green started every game for the Wildcats and averaged 12.0 points per game while shooting 42.4 percent from the floor and 36.1 percent from distance. Green was profiled as an excellent defender with a strong 6-foot-6 frame and a freakish 6-foot-10 wingspan.

Coming into the NBA, Green looked lost on offense, primarily in the half-court. He only suited up in 39 games as a 20-year-old rookie and scored 101 points across those appearances.

The former wildcat made a leap this past season. He started in a third of his appearances en route to averaging 9.1 points per game. Green also played with extreme efficiency. He shot 53.7 percent from the field and 40.2 percent from three.

Now entering his fourth season, Green looks to take his game to another level. He'll only be 23 years old with multiple years of experience in the NBA.

Where Green can improve most is his assertiveness on offense. He lacks a complete offensive repertoire which may be the reason he appears tentative on offense. But he has the athleticism and ball-handling ability to broaden his offensive bag.

On offense, Green has the potential to become a spot-up threat that can also provide secondary ball handling. He has above-average passing instincts now, so a future where Green averages three or more assists per game isn't difficult to foresee.

On defense, Green profiles as an elite perimeter defender. He has the foot speed and hustle to keep up with the quickest guards and wings in the league. Additionally, Green has the length to defend bigger forwards.

The best-case scenario for Josh Green would be to become a longtime starter who contributes on both ends of the floor. Although an All-Star appearance would be a long shot, an All-NBA Defensive Team appearance isn't out of the question.

Best case scenario: Top-20 wing in the NBA

5. Jaden Hardy

The Mavericks knew they had a steal when they traded for the 37th overall selection to draft Jaden Hardy in 2022. Hardy entered the NBA by way of the G-League Ignite. While playing for the Ignite, Hardy averaged 17.7 points per game but shot a paltry 35.1 percent from the floor and 26.9 percent from three.

Hardy had long been on the NBA radar as a consensus 5-star recruit and top player from the class of 2021. However, his lone season in the G-League zapped some of the appeal he once had.

Nevertheless, time and time again, Hardy has demonstrated he can put the ball in the hoop at any level. Hardy's rookie season in the NBA was wildly successful for a second-round pick. Hardy averaged 8.8 points per game with efficient shooting splits. He shot 43.8 percent from the floor and 40.4 percent from beyond the arc.

Hardy is equipped with a deep, scoring arsenal. He is a good finisher who can throw it down or contort his body to score at the rim. He excels in both catch-and-shoot and off-the-dribble situations when shooting from the mid-range or from deep.

Step-backs, side-steps, one-dribble pump fakes, Hardy can do it all. He is also an efficient ball handler. Although not the flashiest dribbler, he is quick and uses his long strides to consistently get past his defender.

Other than his scoring, Hardy has yet to contribute in a positive manner. However, during the Summer League, he averaged 5.3 rebounds and a block and steal per game.

If Hardy can improve the other facets of his game, he'll be a worthwhile contributor for a playoff team. Due to his vast offensive arsenal, he deserves a spot in any rotation. But, an increase in playing time depends on improvements in other areas.

The best-case scenario of Jaden Hardy would be a perennial Sixth Man of the Year contender. Following a career path similar to Jamal Crawford, Louis Williams, or Jordan Clarkson seems reasonable, as Hardy projects as a spark plug scorer.

Best case scenario: Sixth Man of the Year

4. A.J. Lawson

The most nondescript player on the list, A.J. Lawson, has been with Dallas for just one season. Although Lawson did compete with the 2022 Dallas Mavericks Summer League team.

Lawson was undrafted out of the University of South Carolina. And unlike Hardy, Lawson lacked a true standout skill. He averaged 16.6 points per game as a junior for the Gamecocks, but he only shot 39.4 percent from the floor.

Neither a sharpshooter nor an adept driver, Lawson is more of an opportunistic scorer in the NBA. He is a solid spot-up shooter who typically relies on assists to get good looks.

On offense, Lawson knows how to move without the ball. He is a good cutter who continuously moves without the ball in his hands. Additionally, Lawson likes to follow shots and grabs offensive rebounds when the opportunity presents itself.

The NBA is always looking for 6-foot-6 wings with long wingspans. And that's exactly what Lawson offers. Like Josh Green, Lawson can defend multiple positions and use his length to defend bigger wings. Unlike Green, Lawson isn't a nonstop hustler. He competes, but defense isn't his calling card.

A best-case scenario for A.J. Lawson would be becoming a rotation player. He has the build and the skill to contribute, but having a strong skill would differentiate him from other end-of-the-bench players. Lawson also flashed some potential at the end of last season.

If Lawson demonstrates the ability to consistently knock down open threes while competing on defense, look for him to play consistent minutes off the bench. 3-and-D players are, and will be valuable commodities for years to come, and Lawson may just fit that narrative.

Best case scenario: Rotation player

3. Dereck Lively II

The Dallas Mavericks traded back two spots in the draft to select Dereck Lively II, and fans should be excited as Dallas could have found their center of the future.

Lively II is your new-school traditional center. Unlike previous decades, where centers were accustomed to scoring in the paint, rebounding at a high level, and protecting the rim, there are now additional requirements.

Other than defending the rim, centers are now tasked with defending guards in space and rotating to contest shots at the rim, as they are typically the last line of defense without a fellow big to rely on. Lively II exemplifies both of these "new school center" requirements.

Lively II is a fantastic athlete at 7-foot-1. He moves his feet like a wing and looks graceful while doing so. He uses his monstrous 7-foot-7 wingspan to deter all kinds of attempts at the rim.

As was mentioned earlier, centers were expected to score in the paint. Now big men are expected to shoot unless they're exceptional roll men who use their athleticism to dunk anything and everything. Lively II does just that.

The former Blue Devil may not have an extensive offensive repertoire, but he is a good rollman who provides guards with a massive target at the rim. It's been well-documented that Lively II only averaged 5.2 points per game in college. The only positive from this is that his role will look the exact same in the NBA.

Most importantly for Lively II, a rim-rolling, defensive anchor is exactly what Dallas has been searching for for years. A player like Lively II is the key to unlocking a team's defensive potential. Just look what the Minnesota Timberwolves gave up to acquire Rudy Gobert from the Utah Jazz.

Lively II hasn't played in an NBA game, but his defensive potential is obvious. He projects as an above-average defender as soon as he hits the hardwood. And with additional playing time, the big man will surely turn into an elite interior defender.

If Lively II develops any type of offensive game, watch out. A peak projection of 14 points per game doesn't seem out of the question. But Lively II's game will be predicated on his defense.

A best-case scenario for Dereck Lively II would be a Defensive Player of the Year award. The aforementioned Gobert is a three-time DPOY. If Lively II is capable of taking home this honor once, the Mavs would, without question, be thrilled with their new big man.

Best case scenario: Defensive Player of the Year

2. Olivier-Maxence Prosper

Bookmark it now, Olivier-Maxence Prosper will be a Dallas fan favorite. O-Max plays the game with relentless energy. He is the type of player that coaches love. He is a team-first guy who will take on any defensive assignment and make the right play on offense.

The Mavs drafted Prosper with the 24th overall pick in June. Prosper was a late riser during the draft process. This was likely due to Prosper's unremarkable counting stats. Throughout his three collegiate seasons, Prosper went from averaging 2.5 points as a freshman to 12.5 points per game as a junior.

And with the increase in scoring, Prosper's efficiency improved every season. O-Max went from 34.6 percent to 46.1 percent to 51.2 percent over his three seasons in college. While further dissecting Prosper's college stats, it should be noted he never averaged more than a steal or block per game.

When watching Prosper on the hardwood, his defense pops. Although he may not rack up high steal or block counts, he is full of energy and flies around the floor. Whether it be defending on the ball or off, Prosper stays locked in and provides limitless energy.

On offense, Prosper doesn't have a standout skill. He can shoot threes, but most of his looks will be assisted. He can get to the rim, but he doesn't have a wide array of dribble moves yet.

Prosper presents the perfect balance of upside and plug-and-play. His game is unrefined, but he plays an important position and competes at a high level.

Look for O-Max to play immediately, even if his contributions aren't apparent in the box score. The next step in Prosper's development would be figuring out his offensive game. His game screams 3-and-D, which will likely be the role he plays.

As Prosper's high energy has been praised, his athletic ability is evident. Many unathletic players are considered to have a good work ethic or high motor. Prosper has both a fantastic work ethic and high motor while displaying excellent athleticism.

The best-case scenario for Olivier-Maxence Prosper would be to become a top-20 wing in the league. Prosper may become more of a stretch four, but he is unequivocally a forward. If Prosper improves his shooting and adds some go-to dribble moves, averaging 15 points per game may occur at some point in his career.

Best case scenario: Top-20 wing in the NBA

1. Mike Miles Jr.

Mike Miles Jr. was born to play the game of basketball. Miles Jr. first made headlines as a fourth grader. He was compared to Allen Iverson, a diminutive guard with elite quickness and a knack for scoring.

Miles Jr. continued to improve throughout high school and college as he starred for the TCU Horned Frogs. Miles Jr. improved every season in Fort Worth and averaged 17.9 points per game in his junior season.

While Miles Jr. doesn't have a sought-after build, he has continued to find success wherever he plays. Miles Jr. stands at 6-foot-1 but looks closer to 6-foot-flat. He doesn't have a plus wingspan either, as it resembles his height.

Furthermore, the former Horned Frog guard is sturdy. Unlike the typical NBA player, Miles Jr. looks more like an NFL safety than an NBA guard. He is strong and athletic.

Miles Jr. frequently uses his strength and athleticism to get to the rim. He is a fearless finisher who isn't hesitant to challenge anyone at the rim. Miles Jr. is quick off the dribble and shifty in open space. He uses his burst and cross-over to create space.

In the NBA today, guards need to be good shooters. It's not that Miles Jr. is a bad shooter, he just prefers to drive more than shoot. Throughout his collegiate career, he averaged 1.5 threes on 4.4 attempts per game. If Miles Jr. can improve on his three-point percentage and volume, a spot will be available for him on the roster.

Miles Jr. may have the most refined game out of all the prospects on this list entering their rookie seasons. However, he is an undersized guard, so he'll face an uphill battle to find playing time.

If Miles Jr. demonstrates the ability to lead a second unit effectively while providing effective scoring from off the bench, a role will be available for Miles Jr.

A best-case scenario for the Dallas guard would be becoming an elite backup. While Miles Jr. may never provide starter minutes on a competitive team, leading the bench unit for 15-20 minutes per game would be considered a success.

Best case scenario: Top-tier backup point guard