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2017 NBA Draft: Live analysis and tracking rumors, picks, trades for the NBA Draft

By Lukas Harkins

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the podium and stage before the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the podium and stage before the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 27, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; The Dallas Mavericks dancers perform during the game between the Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder at the American Airlines Center. The Thunder defeat the Mavericks 92-91. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; The Dallas Mavericks dancers perform during the game between the Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder at the American Airlines Center. The Thunder defeat the Mavericks 92-91. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Dallas Mavericks

Record in 2016-17: 33-49 (11th in the Western Conference)

Draft picks: 9th overall

Jonathan Givony Projections: Dennis Smith Jr. (#9)

Lukas Harkins Projections: Frank Ntilikina (#9)

Draft Outlook: For the team built around Dirk Nowitzki over the last several years, he is finally starting to wear down a little bit, and so is the team around him. They struggled throughout this entire season, and find themselves with a top-10 pick. Moving forward, it is expected that Seth Curry and Harrison Barnes are going to be around, but if one of the top-flight guards are still available at #9, they will likely pounce. If Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball, De’Aaron Fox, Dennis Smith Jr., and Frank Ntilikina all wind up being off the board, then taking a risk on Lauri Markkanen in hopes that he can become a player similar in play style to Dirk would not be bad idea. This is their only pick in the draft, and knocking it dead will go a long way for their future.

#9 overall: PG Dennis Smith Jr., NC State

An explosive guard who can score at three levels as well as find his teammates, Dennis Smith Jr. will be an interesting player in Dallas. He plays at a fast pace and will be able to likely develop next to Harrison Barnes and Nerlens Noel. This might not be the best core in the NBA, but it isn’t the worst either. Dennis Smith should be a solid starter for the Mavericks for the next few years, as he looks to be NBA ready right now, even if he didn’t prove he could win much with the NC State Wolfpack. Grade: B.

To go back to the draft order/selections, click here.

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