PLAYOFFS ROUND 1: #4 DAL (4-2) vs #5 UTA (2-4) |

[SleepingHero]

Was having this conversation with a buddy the other day.  You almost have to try to have as awful of a draft as the Mavs did.  

They managed to take 18, 31 and one of the best value contacts in the league and turn it into Josh Green and a TPE they’ll never use.

That night could have completely altered the franchise through talent acquisition and some of the watershed moments you pointed out.

I agree 2020 was a major miss. I was screaming Bey at the top of my lungs (though Bane is the real miss). 

But I don't think Josh is someone to overlook, nor is he the worst pick from 18-30. Sure he was a reach, and the Mavs should have taken either Bey or Bane, but there are at least 5 objectively worse guys the Mavs could have taken, and 2 more others if you want to argue fit with Luka (and RC at the time).

To me those guys are Zeke Nianji, RJ Hampton, Udoka Azibuke, Malachai Flynn, and Leandro Bolmaro. I have concerns about projecting Maxey and Quickley's success/development here behind Brunson and Luka with the notorious RC leading the way their rookie year. 

The real miss was Terry at 31. Sheesh what a terrible pick. I cannot believe the guy was ever thought of as a serious NBA prospect. He's played 59 minutes in 2 years. Tyler Bey isn't much better with 71 minutes in 2 years and was never picked up after getting waived. 

Almost any other pick in the 2nd round would have been better. Though that's not saying much. Look back at that draft and see how many 2nd rounders are actually contributing. Outside of KJ Martin, and maybe Jordan Nwora, there are really no players worth losing sleep over.

2020 was an incredibly top heavy shallow draft. There were like 4-5 real prospects in the late 1st round and really only 2 were exactly what the Mavs needed. I'm not going to lose sleep over it because it's done. Josh has shown some flashes that is worth getting excited over. If he ever develops a consistent 3pt shot on 40% shooting we got exactly what we wanted anyways.