Mavericks predicted to pair Anthony Davis with 7'2" center drawing comparisons to NBA champion
Context:
The Dallas Mavericks, after a disappointing season, are positioned at the 11th spot in the draft with a slim chance of moving higher. Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report forecasts that they might choose Khaman Maluach, a promising center from Duke, who is being compared to NBA champion DeAndre Jordan. Maluach is expected to enhance the team's big-man rotation, which already includes Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford, by offering skills such as reliable lob finishing and modern defensive capabilities. His potential development could make the Mavericks comfortable enough to consider moving on from Gafford, who is set to become a free agent after next season. This strategic decision could provide Maluach ample time to adjust and thrive at the professional level, sustaining the team's strength in the big-man position even if Gafford departs.
Dive Deeper:
The Mavericks are preparing for the NBA draft with a 1.8% chance to win the lottery and an 8.5% chance to secure a top-four pick, positioning them at the 11th spot if no changes occur.
Khaman Maluach, a 7'2" center from Duke, is predicted to be their choice, drawing comparisons to DeAndre Jordan due to his potential as a lob finisher and defensive anchor with modern skills.
Maluach's ability to shoot fouls and defend in space adds a new dimension to his game, potentially enhancing the Mavericks' current rotation of big men, including Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II.
Daniel Gafford's future with the Mavericks is uncertain as he approaches free agency, and his strong performance could lead to a significant salary increase elsewhere.
Selecting Maluach could allow the Mavericks to transition smoothly if they decide not to retain Gafford, ensuring a steady development path for Maluach while maintaining strength at the center position.
Dallas would still rely on Davis and Lively to cover significant minutes, providing a supportive environment for Maluach to grow and adapt to the NBA's demands.
Maluach's development could potentially encourage the team to make strategic roster decisions, balancing financial considerations and on-court performance needs.
The Dallas Mavericks are headed to the lottery after a disappointing finish to their season.
If the Mavericks don't move up in the draft, they're slated to be on the clock at the No. 11 spot. They have a 1.8% chance to win the lottery and an 8.5% chance to make a pick in the top four.
Assuming they stay right where they are, Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley predicts that the Mavs will select Duke Blue Devils center Khaman Maluach. Buckley also compared Maluach to NBA champion DeAndre Jordan.
The Mavs have a loaded big-man rotation featuring Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford. However, Maluach could bring something unique to the table.
"If he aces his development, he could be a reliable lob finisher and defensive anchor with more modern enhancements than (DeAndre) Jordan, like capable foul shooting and an ability to defend in space," Buckley wrote. "His touch and ability to defend away from the basket potentially add interesting wrinkles to his game."
Maluach could also help the Mavericks feel comfortable about potentially moving on from Gafford, who is due to make $14.3 million next season before becoming a free agent. Given Gafford's strong ability to finish at the rim and protect the basket, he could very easily see a significant raise in his next contract.
If Dallas moves on from Gafford, they'll still have Davis and Lively to eat a lot of minutes at the big man position, which will afford Maluach plenty of time to make the necessary adjustments to succeed at the next level.
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