Thunderous Intentions
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2017 NBA Draft- Annual Editor’s Mock Draft

By Tamberlyn Richardson

Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) passes UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. UCLA won 107-66. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) passes UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. UCLA won 107-66. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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March 18, 2017;  Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) moves the ball against Saint Mary’s Gaels center Evan Fitzner (21) during the first half. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
March 18, 2017;  Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) moves the ball against Saint Mary’s Gaels center Evan Fitzner (21) during the first half. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

Lauri Markkanen. 9. player. 79. . .

Team Needs:

Rebounding (30th). rim protection (30th in blocks), scoring (30th) and playmaking (27th in assists and 25th in offensive rating).

Free Agents:

  • Yogi Ferrell  – RFA
  •  DeAndre Liggins – UFA
  • Nerlens Noel – RFA
  •  Dirk  Nowitzki – UFA

Roster Gaps:

Adding Nerlens Noel will help if additional depth pieces are added, but clearly there are numerous holes to be filled. The Mavericks should focus on taking the best player available.

Lauri Markkanen:

As for Lauri Markkanen in TI’s draft prospect preview  his skills were highlighted as:

"Markkanen enters the draft with one of the best shooting strokes in his class. In a time where “stretch fours” are the hot commodity around the league, Lauri has the potential to be as best as they come. The 20-year old was incredibly efficient this past year from both the field and three-point range. That type of shooting is sure to carry over to the NBA level given his size. While some may view him as a one trick pony, Lauri has the ability to contribute in other areas such as rebounding and finishing in transition. Markkanen averaged 7.2 rebounds a game as a freshman. As an active seven footer, rebounds will seemingly fall in his lap on the NBA level. Arizona Head Coach, Sean Miller, stated “He moves like a 6-8 forward. To me, that separates him from a lot of others. And then his skill level, when he gets into the testing part (of NBA workouts), the shooting and all that, he’s really like a guard.”"

Overview:

Looking back, the lessons learned post-Mavericks championship taught the NBA a valuable lesson. Minor tweaks can be maneuvered, but dispensing or too many core contributors can send a team spiraling in a downward spin, which once started is extremely difficult to stop.

As Dirk nears the end of an illustrious career how the Mavericks move toward their new era begins this season. For a team who said they weren’t about to tank it might be worth it as next season’s draft may be even deeper than this 2017 grouping. Perhaps it’s time Cuban and co.  find their next 20 year lifetime Maverick.

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