3 Dallas natives for the Mavericks to target with the 10th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft

The Dallas Mavericks hold the 10th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and will look to draft talent to build around Luka Doncic if they keep it. The Mavs had a horrendous end to their season and tanked their final two games to improve their odds of keeping their draft pick.

It all worked out, but Dallas needs to strike gold to improve as much as they want next season. Dallas reportedly intends to draft a player with "athleticism and physicality," (subscription required) as they desperately need defense and rebounding.

There are multiple players that Dallas could consider drafting that are from Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. DFW has turned into a basketball powerhouse, and all of these players would likely be ecstatic to play in front of their families on a nightly basis and stay home.

3 Dallas natives for the Mavericks to target with the 10th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft

Each of these three players provide unique skill sets that would benefit the Mavericks going forward. Although some may not fall to the tenth pick, there's a good chance that one or two of these players will be available when Dallas is on the clock. Each player could help Dallas differently, and they should consider all three of them.

Here's a look at three Dallas natives for the Mavericks to target with the 10th pick in this year's draft.

3. Keyonte George

Keyonte George looks like he will fall to the tenth pick and could be a great fit in Dallas.

George went to Lewisville High School for his first two years before transferring to iSchool of Lewisville for his junior year. After playing for a year at iSchool, he decided to play his senior year at IMG Academy.

George was ninth on 247 Sport's class of 2022 rankings and went on to play college ball at Baylor. While at Baylor, he averaged 15.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. He was the second leading scorer on his team behind Adam Flagler, proving he was a lock for the lottery in the 2023 NBA Draft.

He has a knack for scoring the ball and will likely be a score-first type of player once he's in the NBA. George shot 33.8 percent from downtown at Baylor on 6.9 attempts per game. This number may not seem the best, but if you watch the type of shots he takes, it makes sense.

He hits tough shots and likes to shoot threes off the dribble. George also has a tight handle that he uses to get to the rim and finish through traffic. He is a three-level scorer that can score in bunches.

He is the least likely of the three named players to come to Dallas, but if they select him, they'd have another dynamic scorer in their young core alongside Jaden Hardy and Luka Doncic.

2. Cason Wallace

The second of the three Dallas natives that the Mavericks can target in the 2023 NBA Draft is point guard Cason Wallace.

Wallace went to Richardson High School for all four years before going to the University of Kentucky. At Kentucky, Wallace averaged 11.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and two steals per game. He has the potential to be one of the best guard defenders in this draft, and he has a great chance to fall to pick ten.

Wallace is a competitor on the defensive end that picks up opponents 94 feet. He takes pride in locking people down and plays sound defense. Wallace doesn't gamble as an off-ball defender and has the chance to be the next great Kentucky guard in the NBA.

Offensively, Wallace is a better player than people give him credit for and has a balanced game. While he isn't the type of player you can give the rock and tell to iso, he is still a capable scorer. He is a strong finisher around the basket and finishes with floaters often. Wallace is also a great three-point shooter off the catch.

Wallace would fit perfectly on the Mavericks. He has the basketball IQ and passing ability to run the second unit and would be one of the best defenders on the team. Wallace could also play in small-ball lineups with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving to help hide them defensively.

1. Anthony Black

Anthony Black is becoming a fan favorite among Mavs fans and is the best fit of these three players.

Black played high school basketball at Coppell High School before transferring to Duncanville for his senior year. After Duncanville, he played at the University of Arkansas.

While at Arkansas, he averaged 12.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. Like Cason Wallace, Black is an elite defender. He can guard multiple positions and has the size to switch.

Offensively, Black is a maestro with the basketball. He has true playmaking abilities and is a willing passer that always makes the right play. Black doesn't force many shots and plays his role.

He is also a solid finisher around the basket and finishes strong through contact. Black possesses an elite feel for the game that you can't teach.

Black would be a phenomenal fit in Dallas and it seems like they like him, but the problem is that it seems he won't fall to 10. Teams will bet on his defensive abilities and physical tools, causing him to likely go in the top nine. But if he does fall to 10, Dallas has to take him.

Other than the fact he struggles as a shooter, he fits everything that Dallas wants to do. He is great in the pick and roll, swings the ball, and plays tough defense.

The 2023 NBA Draft is on June 22 and will hopefully be a night to remember for Mavs fans. They will either draft a young piece to add to their core, ship off the tenth pick for a proven role player, or trade back in the draft. There are plenty of different things that the Mavericks can do on draft night, and we'll have you covered.