Mavericks NBA Draft: 3 late targets to help Luka Doncic if Mavs trade back

1. James Nnaji

The aforementioned three-point shooting isn’t something that James Nnaji would bring to the table, but defensively and in other areas of offense, he would thrive alongside Luka Doncic.

At 6-foot-10 and with an insane 7-foot-7 wingspan, Nnaji could potentially provide Doncic with one of the best lob targets he’s ever gotten the chance to play with at the NBA level.

He’s still just 18 years old and didn’t play a ton of minutes for FC Barcelona, where he played this past year, so he’s still a prospect, but the mold of the perfect player is there.

Nnaji is gigantic, and considering Dallas’ center woes, the exact sort of player they need to take a chance on in this year’s draft. If he can develop into the player he appears to be, he’ll be the perfect center to pair with Doncic.

Defensively, Nnaji projects to be a great shot-blocker who will constantly alter shots on the inside. The Mavericks’ defense was rough this past year, but Nnaji looks like the type of player Jason Kidd would love to get his hands on.

Offensively, he has a ton of potential to be a great pick-n-roll player, and he would easily be able to catch lobs from both Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Add in his solid rebounding, and Nnaji seems great.

Right now, Nnaji is projected to be drafted toward the end of the first round or in the very early second, which would be right in Dallas’ potential range should they trade back.

With his defense and lob-threat potential, Nnaji is the perfect big man prospect to put next to Doncic.