3 Instant reactions to Dallas Mavericks’ 2023 NBA Draft Lottery results

The Dallas Mavericks had a ton riding on the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery. It was a potential franchise-altering night for every team involved because this year’s number-one overall pick is the most-hyped prospect since LeBron James. Luka Doncic and company had a bit extra riding on the draft lottery, though.

The Mavericks have never moved up in the lottery. They did have the number one overall pick in 1981 before the lottery existed, but since it started in 1985, Dallas has only stood pat or moved down. Tuesday was their 16th trip into the lottery, and their luck failed to change.

The Dallas Mavericks' most likely outcome came true as they got the tenth overall pick. It was a nervous night, but things worked out for Dallas. Here is a look at some quick thoughts on what happened.

Instant reactions to Dallas Mavericks 2023 NBA Draft Lottery results

3. Keep their 2023 pick

The Mavs owed their first-round pick in 2023 to the New York Knicks from the Kristaps Porzingis trade in 2019 with a top-ten protection. Dallas tanked their final two games and paid a $750,000 fine to finish the regular season with the tenth-worst record in the NBA. It gave the Mavericks a 79.8 percent chance to keep their pick, but there were zero guarantees until Tuesday’s lottery finalized the order.

It was a nervous night with fears throughout that they would have to send the 11th overall pick to New York just one summer after they stole Jalen Brunson. Fortunately, it did not happen. Dallas stayed at tenth overall, and they will keep the selection.

2. Tanking worked but cannot repeat strategy

The Mavericks lost their final two games and admitting to it cost them $750,000. Owner Mark Cuban matched the fine with a charity donation of his own, but it was not the ideal outcome one year after Dallas was in the conference finals.

The front office felt like it was the right thing to do at the moment. They had clear holes on their roster and limited avenues to upgrade. Dallas desperately needed an asset and what better trade chip than a top-ten draft pick?

Fans were upset when it happened because the Mavericks still had a chance at reaching the Play-In Tournament, and as the Heat are proving, all they needed was a shot. The front office took a long-term view as they want to annual title contender around Luka Doncic, and it paid off.

The Dallas Mavericks kept the tenth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Fans dreamed of moving up and even hitting on that three percent chance of landing Victor Wembanyama. That did not happen. Keeping their pick was the second-best outcome. The Mavs avoided the disaster scenario of losing their pick and having nothing to show for losing their final two games.

With the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery in the rearview mirror, the Dallas Mavericks now have a difficult decision to make.

1. Mavericks have a lottery pick as an asset

The question now shifts to what the Dallas Mavericks do with the pick. They must improve their roster around Luka Doncic, and there is zero time to wait. Dallas missed the playoffs this year, and multiple upgrades are needed. Without them this summer, the Mavs' fear of a Luka Doncic trade request could become a reality.

The Mavericks have another premium asset, but what do they do with it? They are going to explore trade talks, but what can Dallas get for the tenth overall pick? Should they consider keeping it and having a second young talent to build their roster around moving forward?

The Mavericks cannot trade their selection until draft night. They now owe their 2024 first-round pick to the New York Knicks with another top-ten protection. Dallas is hoping that pick conveys because if it does not, they will have a different set of problems on their hands.

What will the Dallas Mavericks do with their 2023 first-round pick? They will get a chance to improve their roster, but how much? Does Dallas trade it for an established role player or two? Will they instead add a talent prospect? Stay tuned to find out.