After their six-player, two-pick trade with the New York Knicks Wednesday afternoon, the Mavericks will be merely spectators in Thursday night’s NBA Draft.
Recent history says that’s not such a bad thing.
By my math the Mavs haven’t made a “good” draft pick since taking Josh Howard at the end of the first round back in 2003. Since then – we’re talking 10 drafts – the Mavs have selected with their first overall pick only two players that have actually scored points (88 combined) for them: Maurice Ager in ’06 and Nick Fazekas in ’07. And, nope, neither is threatening to have their numbers raised to the roof at American Airlines Center.
Owner Mark Cuban and GM Donnie Nelson have been tricky on draft night, but not successful. As in, the last two drafts the Mavs selected Tyler Zeller and Kelly Olynyk but then promptly traded them in pre-arranged deals. But what did the deals ultimately land Dallas? Shooting guard Jared Cunningham, whose Mavs career totaled 16 points, and Shane Larkin, who as of this morning is a New York Knick.
The inclusion of picks 34 and 51 in the trade seemed a bit steep but, let’s face it, the Mavs historically have shot air-balls in the draft.
The Mavs have lots to do this summer: Sign Dirk Nowitzki. Sign Devin Harris. Sign Shawn Marion. Court Carmelo Anthony. Find outside shooting.
But for the first time since ’05, they’ll have to build their team sans any draft picks.
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A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He currently lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.