Mavericks NBA Draft: Dallas needs to make a first-round pick in 2023 NBA Draft

The 2023 NBA Draft is just a couple of weeks away, and the Dallas Mavericks have the 10th pick. Their failure to make the Play-In Tournament was brutal, but at the very least, it gave them a great draft pick.

Now, the Mavericks will have to make the tough decision of whether to trade the pick or make it. Trading it could help push them forward while keeping it would see them add a top-notch prospect.

So far, all indications have signaled that Dallas plans to trade the 10th pick in favor of adding win-now talent alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

And while that is a great strategy, it would be in the Mavericks’ best interest to make a pick in the first round of this year’s draft.

Mavericks need to make a first-round pick in 2023 NBA Draft

With the way the roster is currently constructed, Dallas doesn’t have a ton of youth. Outside of Doncic, the only rotation-level youngsters on the team are Josh Green and Jaden Hardy, and with the team looking to make a push, there’s always a chance one or both of them get traded this summer.

Adding more youth to the mix would give Dallas’ future a massive boost, even if the player isn’t able to give the team rotational minutes right away.

Outside of the youth factor, the Mavericks could also benefit from having another guy on a cost-controlled contract, as their roster could get expensive fast.

If all goes to plan, Irving will be re-signed to a massive max contract. Combine that with Doncic’s max deal and Dallas’ other large contracts, and they won’t have much breathing room.

With the new CBA coming in, having guys on smaller deals will be extremely valuable, meaning if the Mavericks can draft and develop a first-round talent in the next couple of seasons, it could be a big help.

And to be clear, the Mavericks don’t have to make the 10th pick in the draft. Trading that selection for another star or elite depth pieces could be in the best interest of the team.

But if they do move the pick, adding another first-round selection would be a phenomenal idea. Whether it be in the trade they make with 10 or in a separate deal, they should look to stay in the first round.

A second-rounder could provide similar value, but guaranteeing that they get a guy on a four-year deal with two years of team options would be amazing.

Obviously, ensuring they field an extremely competitive roster should be the team’s number one priority this summer, but staying in the first round would be very useful, too.