DRAFT: #18 [Green] & #31 [Terry] & trade for #36 [Tyler Bey]

[Scott41theMavs]

The Mavs cannot build their offseason with the EXPECTATION that the #18 pick will be a rotation guy.

BUT they sure as hell better draft trying to FIND a rotation guy at #18. Because if you do, then you speed up your contender timeline a LOT.

I agree with this.

I think Dan's point was if the team is depending on #18 to make them a top 4 team, then they are very likely not a top 4 team, which I completely buy. Kamm has restated it well here.

I also agree that if they see a sure-fire rotation player, whether right away or just a year or two down the line, who is getable with #18, they should take him.

Unless they get a difference maker by trading the pick as part of a bigger package. Mind you, I'm not advocating for them to trade the pick to keep from signing that guaranteed money (which they have done before and might do again) and I'm not advocating for them to trade the pick for a short term, back of the rotation guy. I'm talking about a guy who really gets us excited. If they can do that, I think they should do it. If not, I think they draft the best player they can, and maybe even try to move up to get someone they really like. I do NOT want them to punt on the draft just because they don't value the opportunity.

I don't disagree with much of this at all. I think it comes down to, 1) they have to trust their scouting ability, and 2) their scouting ability has to be worthy of that trust.

Excuse me a second, I'm having a momentary bout of Pop/Riley envy right now.