22 Stars the Dallas Mavericks missed drafting by a single pick

6. Jaren Jackson Jr.

The Dallas Mavericks struck gold in the 2018 NBA Draft when they obtained the draft rights to Luka Doncic with the No. 3 overall pick in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks as they traded the draft rights of Trae Young and a future first-round pick.

Dallas landed a player who has the potential to be one of the greatest players of all time in Doncic, and they were one pick away from landing a defensive menace. The Memphis Grizzlies selected Jaren Jackson Jr. out of Michigan State with the No. 4 overall pick.

In six seasons with the Grizzlies, Jackson Jr. has averaged 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 2.0 blocks per game while shooting 46.0 percent from the field and 34.5 percent from downtown. He has turned into a key piece for Memphis, and he is the perfect fit there.

The Mavs made the obvious right decision by making the trade for Doncic, as he has the potential to be the greatest Maverick ever, and now he gets to battle Jackson Jr. multiple times per season.

The Grizzlies had a down year due to Ja Morant's injury, and next season they'll have the chance to contend in the Western Conference with him and Jackson Jr. at the helm. If Doncic had been selected before the Mavs were on the clock, then Jackson Jr. would have been a fun alternative to grab the baton from Dirk Nowitzki.

He protects the rim, is a good 3-point shooter, and has great athleticism. Jackson Jr. is on the trajectory to be an elite starter for a long time, and the future is bright for him.