2022 NBA Draft: #37 Jaden Hardy (6' 3", 6' 9" WS) to DAL | two 2nds to SAC

[dirkfansince1998]

If the Mavs make the pick it should be the best talent available but given the chance I would prefer a player in the 6´8 or bigger range. Big forward or center. Thankfully this years draft class is PF/C heavy. With most teams not looking for a starting big the Mavs might get lucky.

That said. Drafting a big is only the first step. Second step is player development. I guess Powell is the last young big that qualifies as a successful development project. Mavs need more patience. Players like Gobert or Capela didn´t turn into starters over night. Only played garbage time minutes in their rookie seasons.

Jazz are doing an awesome job with bigs. Most recent example is Udoka Azubuike. Only appeared in 15 games last season. Looked like he wouldn´t play this season. But after Gobert´s injury and the following losing streak with Whiteside at center he got his chance and never looked back. Jazz haven´t lost a game with him in the starting five (6-0). Including wins vs Golden State, Brooklyn and Denver.