22 Stars the Dallas Mavericks missed drafting by a single pick

4. Bobby Portis

The Dallas Mavericks turned their season around at the 2023 trade deadline when they traded for P.J. Washington from the Charlotte Hornets. Washington was someone who many Mavs fans wanted the summer before, but the Mavs didn't show interest.

Dallas wanted to upgrade at the power forward position at that trade deadline, and another player who they were in trade rumors for was Bobby Portis from the Milwaukee Bucks. The deal ended up falling through, but the Mavs also were one pick away from drafting him.

The Mavs selected Justin Anderson with the No. 21 overall pick in that draft, and Portis ended up going one pick later to the Chicago Bulls. Portis spent three and a half seasons with the Bulls before playing for the Washington Wizards and New York Knicks, and since then, he's been with the Bucks.

Portis is known for being an elite sixth man over his career, and he is as tough as they come. He is a good scorer and a solid rebounder, and his all-around offensive game has been huge for the Bucks over the years.

Anderson didn't end up working out in Dallas as well as fans may have hoped, and Portis could have been a huge difference-maker from day one. He has been indispensable for the Bucks for years, and he always seems to step up in big moments.

Washington over Portis was the right move on the trade market, but it would have been interesting if they selected him over Anderson.