5 Reasons the Mavericks must stay away from drafting Bronny James

4. Better players are available

Despite being viewed as a marquee second-rounder, better players will likely be available for the Mavs in the second round. One of them is James' USC teammate Boogie Ellis, who is another guard like James. In his final season at USC, Ellis averaged 16.5 points per game and shot 42 percent from three.

Guard Tristen Newton from UConn is also another player the Mavs can keep an eye on. After averaging 10.1 points per game in the 2022-23 season, Newton improved to 15.1 points per game this season. Newton also has won the past two National championships at UConn. With already a winning culture and mindset at UConn, Newton could translate his winning approach with the Mavs who are coming off an NBA Finals berth.

Isaac Jones stood out at Washington State this season. The 6-foot-8 power forward has shot 60 percent from the field in his career and has averaged 17.2 points per game and 7.7 rebounds per game. Jones could be a piece the Mavs could use for depth when defending the paint.

Oso Ighodaro from Marquette is also another player who would be a better selection. The 6-10 center averaged 13.4 points per game and 6.9 rebounds at Marquette this past season. Ighodaro also has a career field goal percentage of 62. Ighodaro was mocked to be drafted by Dallas earlier in the offseason, and he'd give the Mavs more depth in their frontcourt.

Despite James being hyped, these are just a few other players the Mavs could find themselves taking in the second round instead.