The Mavericks made serious noise in the 2023 NBA draft with first-round selections of center Dereck Lively II (No. 12 overall pick) and wing Olivier-Maxence Prosper (No. 24).
Dallas needed to make moves considering its depth and defensive problems following a trade deadline last season that brought in Kyrie Irving but depleted other areas.
Mark Cuban was never going to fix all of the Mavericks’ problems in one evening, but how close did he get? Experts chimed in and graded the Mavericks’ draft night.
Here are some of the highlights.
(ESPN’s Kevin Pelton - Grade: B): “I liked Dallas’ pair of interlocking trades that picked up two first-round selections and center Richaun Holmes, while also moving to trade the 10th pick and Davis Bertans to Oklahoma City. As for the picks themselves, Lively seems like strong value and fit. I’m less of a believer in Prosper, who generated few assists or blocks at the NCAA level and ranked 60th in my projections.”
(The Associated Press’ Tim Reynolds - Grade: Excellent): “Dallas got the big man it wanted and created opportunity by moving Davis Bertans. Hard to argue that it wasn’t a good night. And now free agency awaits. Prosper is another player with big potential and was extremely hard to guard at Marquette.”
(Yahoo Sports’ Krysten Peek - Grade: A): “After Wembanyama, Lively is the best rim protector in this draft class. He showed a much improved 3-point shot during the pre-draft process and workouts with teams. Lively was the No. 1 recruit coming out of high school but couldn’t find his rhythm after a minor injury to start the season. The NBA’s spacing and pace cater to his skills, and his most immediate impact will be at the defensive end with his 7-2 frame.”
(USA Today’s Charles Curtis - Grade: A): “This grade also includes the fact they were able to trade Davis Bertans’ contract. Two great picks and you’ve got our first A grade.”
(CBS Sports’ Colin Ward-Henninger - Grade: A): “The Mavericks were successful on two fronts, shedding the burdensome contract of Davis Bertans while still securing two well-fitting prospects full of upside. Lively is a rim-running, shot-blocking big in the mold of Tyson Chandler, while Prosper shot up draft boards due to his athleticism, length and versatility on the defensive end. Both address needs and the Mavs saved some money in the process.”
(Sporting News’ Kyle Irving - Grade: A+): “The Mavericks absolutely nailed the 2023 NBA Draft. Dallas traded down to No. 12 and shed Davis Bertans’ contract while still landing the prospect it wanted in Lively. The Duke center is the type of defensive anchor and lob threat who will thrive next to Luka Doncic. Then, the Mavericks traded into the late first round to select Prosper, an energetic and versatile wing who has shown promise as a perimeter shooter — another prospect who will fit seamlessly alongside Doncic.”
Find more Mavericks coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
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June 24, 2023 at 07:00AM
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Experts grade Mavs’ picks Dereck Lively II, Olivier-Maxence Prosper - The Dallas Morning News
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