Jarace Walker 2023 NBA Draft profile: How can Mavericks land the defensive star?

The Dallas Mavericks need defensive help. It was an obvious point of weakness last season, and the front office has already said that their priority this summer is to improve the team's defense and rebounding.

The Mavericks have to make moves this summer to address those needs, so they can return to winning games and making playoff pushes. They can't afford to waste another season of Luka Doncic's career and have to put pieces around him that can defend and rebound at an elite level.

One player that can immediately help in both of these ways is Jarace Walker from the University of Houston.

Jarace Walker 2023 NBA Draft profile: How can the Dallas Mavericks land the defensive star?

The 6'8, 240-pound power forward averaged 11.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 1.0 steal per game in his freshman season. He would provide Dallas with much-needed help in the frontcourt and be a piece they can build around for years to come.

Walker is mocked to go in the early part of the lottery, so Dallas would likely have to move up into the top four to take him. There is little chance that Walker falls to the tenth pick.

Here's a look at Walker's strengths, weaknesses, and how he'd fit in Dallas if selected.

Jarace Walker's strengths

Jarace Walker is a unique prospect that provides the skills that Dallas needs. Here are two of his best observed from a breakdown of his film.

1. Defense

Walker is an impactful defender that can anchor a unit at the power forward position.

Standing at 6'8 and weighing over 240 pounds, Walker has a humongous frame. He isn't easily moved in the low post, and he uses his 7'2 wingspan to disrupt shots.

Walker averaged 1.3 blocks per game last season and a large portion of these came from the help side. He uses great timing to meet players at the rim and is fearless when going for rejections. He also anticipates the location of passes well and rotates at the perfect time.

The 19-year-old is also a strong on-ball defender. He can effectively guard bigs and does a solid job when switching in the pick and roll. He sometimes got blown by, but the skills are there. Walker is strong and is not easily backed down.

Walker is physical and uses his body well to prevent drives and stay in front of his man.

2. Playmaking potential

Walker is one of the best playmakers at the power forward position in this draft class. He has phenomenal vision and creativity when finding his teammates and will fit right in at the NBA level as he will be surrounded by shooters.

Last season at Houston, we saw Walker pull out behind-the-back, no-look, and touch passes out of his bag efficiently and comfortably. Once he gets the ball as the roller in the pick and roll, he makes good decisions as he knows when to go score and when to find a teammate.

He is also a solid playmaker in transition. Walker is selfless when attacking the basket and makes great dump-off and shovel passes. His ability to handle the ball and pass will make him an excellent fit in any NBA offense at the four.

Jarace Walker's weaknesses

Jarace Walker has all the tools to be successful at the NBA level but does have a weakness in his game.

1. Shooting consistency

Walker shot 34.7 percent from three on 2.8 attempts per game at the University of Houston and most of his shots were off the catch. His form is solid but his inconsistency from downtown could scare away teams from taking him to be a stretch four.

He had 13 games in which he didn't make a three with at least one attempt, and three games where he didn't attempt a single triple. Walker didn't have much volume in this category, but the numbers are still a bit alarming.

In Walker's final 11 games of the season, he shot 26.8 percent from three on 41 attempts. That is a horrendous shooting percentage to end the season but it should be noted that it was on a higher volume.

This number is also from the college 3-point line and his range is unproven. The move to the NBA three could be a tough process for Walker as he isn't a player that was knocking down deep triples at the collegiate level.

Walker could improve as his mechanics are solid, but his free-throw shooting numbers are poor.

He shot 66.3 percent from the line on 3.2 attempts per game. Free-throw shooting is often used as an indicator of a player's potential as an overall shooter and teams could consider this a red flag.

How does Jarace Walker fit on the Dallas Mavericks?

Jarace Walker is one of the top defensive forwards in this year's draft and would immediately fill a hole in the Mavericks' roster. They have little to no defense in their frontcourt and having Walker there would help bolster their defense and give them versatility down low.

He guards power forwards and centers at an elite level as he doesn't give up ground and plays with physicality.

Walker also has solid offensive versatility and will be even more deadly if his jump shot improves. He would fit great next to Luka Doncic as he is good in the pick and roll and has the vision to pass out of it to an open shooter if needed.

Walker also has a good floater that he uses when getting downhill. He needs to learn to use his body more around the bucket as he doesn't finish well through contact but his floater makes up for it.

Walker would have the chance to play consistently right away for the Dallas Mavericks as he brings the skills they need. He would be one of the best post defenders and rebounders on the team.

Stay tuned to see where Dallas lands in the NBA Draft Lottery on May 16 and if they will have a chance to take Walker in the 2023 NBA Draft. This will be a crucial night for the Mavericks as they will find out where they will be drafting or if their pick will be sent to the New York Knicks.