5 big men Dallas Mavericks should trade into second round of 2022 NBA Draft to target

The Dallas Mavericks currently don‘t have a second-round pick in the NBA 2022 Draft after trading it to the Washington Wizards at the deadline in the Spencer Dinwiddie deal. The Mavericks should keep an eye on some of the bigs that could be available late in the second round because they could be that “Center” that the NBA executives mentioned that could send the Mavericks to the NBA Finals as early as next season.

Big man Dallas Mavericks should target in 2nd round of draft: 5. Johnny Juzang

Juzang might be on the small side of being an NBA big at 6’7, but here is why the Mavericks should keep an eye on the former UCLA forward in the second round. During his last season at UCLA, he averaged 15 points and five rebounds per game. He won't be playing at the five for the Mavericks, but he can provide bench depth by giving Dorian Finley-Smith some breaks during games. He also has a knack for always being at the rim and can help the Mavs with their rebounding issues. 

Big man Dallas Mavericks should target in 2nd round of draft: 4. Christian Koloko

The 7’1 junior center from Arizona could be Luka Doncic's lob partner next season. Koloko basically has the same frame as current NBA center Deandre Ayton. At Arizona, he averaged 13 points and eight rebounds per game and was a big presence at the rim with his massive 7'5 wingspan. 

If he starts sliding in the second round, general manager Nico Harrison and owner Mark Cuban need to trade into the second round to get him. He would be a lot cheaper than trying to go after Ayton in free agency.

Big man Dallas Mavericks should target in 2nd round of draft: 3. Zvonimir Ivisic

The 18-year-old 7’2 center from Croatia could be enticing for the Mavs after he averaged 15 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks per game this season playing for Studentski Centar. 

He is unlikely to make the roster next season as GM Harrison is looking for an experienced big, but the Mavericks could easily stash him overseas for a couple of years or put him in the G League for him to get experience.

Big man Dallas Mavericks should target in 2nd round of draft: 2. Kofi Cockburn

If the Mavericks were to miss out on Walker Kessler in the first round, Cockburn would be a consolation prize in the second round. He averaged a double-double per game for Brad Underwood at Illinois last year putting up 20 points and ten rebounds, while shooting 60 percent from the field. 

Cockburn is the perfect defensive big man that could easily put the Mavericks into title contention talks next season.

Big man Dallas Mavericks should target in 2nd round of draft: 1. Ismael Kamagate

Kamagate is an intriguing Center that the Mavericks could take in the first round. His lack of scoring could force him to slide into the second round, but Dallas should be interested because of his rebounding, shot-blocking, and defensive potential. Kamagate has a reported wingspan 7'4 wingspan, and the 21-year-old could be an impactful role player for a decade-plus in the NBA. 

The Dallas Mavericks need to consider trading back into the second round if one of these five prospects starts sliding late into the second round. They need a big man and each of these players could be a game-changer in the future.