10 Under-the-radar players for Dallas Mavericks to target in 2024 NBA Draft

9. Tristen Newton (UConn)

If the Mavericks are looking for a bonafide three-level scorer and playmaker at this stage of the draft, then Tristen Newton may be Dallas' best bet if he's available once the last pick rolls around. Newton spearheaded the University of Connecticut's offensive attack as their primary ball handler, as he developed a terrific two-man game with fellow teammate and expected 2024 NBA Draft selection Donovan Clingan in their time together.

Newton only shot 32.1 percent from outside in his senior season at UConn, but the 6-foot-5 guard has proven shooting mechanics that project well at the next level if he can speed up his release some, and part of the reason Newton's shooting efficiency may have dipped off in his senior season can be attributed to him taking a more substantial role offensively for the Huskies.

Newton averaged 15.1 points and 6.2 assists for the Huskies in his senior season, as he showcased an extremely high IQ on the offensive end with his ability to read defenses and get to his spots in the mid-range. Newton has a plus-size wingspan and defends well for a guard, but he's not an elite-level athlete and could certainly benefit by adding some more functional strength, so he isn't as polished of a prospect as one could hope for when you take into consideration that he's already 23-years-old.

However, Newton's touch inside the paint and ability to will himself to his spots can't be underrated, and adding more quickness and ball-handling ability to his game could certainly help him stick at the NBA level. With as good of a playmaker and catch-and-shoot shooter as Newton is, think of a mix of a less efficient Brandin Podziemski and Delon Wright when looking for NBA player comparisons for Newton.