DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH

UPSYDE SPORTS PRESENTS:

DRAFT DAY DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH:

For the Mavericks, they lack depth. What was already evident became even more evident after the Kyrie Irving trade, when they essentially punted defense for elite offense. Players like Theo Pinson and McKinley Wright IV became household names in the rotation. For Mavs fans, they did see more playing time from lightning rod rookie, Jaden Hardy, but not the minutes they hoped for. Hardy, and long with guys like Jalen Brunson were Diamond in the Rough Players for this team... players that either due to age or question marks slid way past where they should have been drafted. We see a handful of guys like that every season, and this list is a collection of guys that have that potential.

1. TRAYCE JACKSON-DAVIS - He has been a guy I've been closely following for the Mavs. He has the Draymond Green skillset - elite defense, elite passing from the big man position, can rebound in bunches, and has the grit to be a vocal leader on this team. He is a bit of an older prospect and would be a lottery pick if he was 20 instead of 23. He may only be 6'9", but he's a solid 245lbs, and plays bigger than he appears. He's not going to win you a bunch of dunk contests or 3-point contests, but he has a good first step, excellent court awareness, and makes the team around him better.

2. JULIAN STRAWTHER - An elite sharpshooter with an NBA-ready body. He shot 41% from beyond the arc from a really solid Gonzaga team, rebounds well thanks to a 6' 9.5" wingspan, and despite an underwhelming performance in the NCAA tournament, he has first round upside. He is not the most athletic player, but should the Mavericks move on from Tim Hardaway Jr, he fills that roll as a smooth shooting gunner that fits great in the system. 

3. EMONI BATES - He's jumped around a bit in college. He started Memphis, it didn't go well, so he went to Eastern Michigan, where it went slightly better. His jumper still looks a little better than last season, but his ceiling is lottery pick in this draft. He definitely has the hype where it wouldn't surprise me if he gets top-5 in a redraft. Bates builds his confidence once shots start dropping, so he would be excellent serving a bench role in his career and eventually entering the starting line-up. His defense likely keeps him out of a starting line-up his rookie season, but once his offense starts clicking, he comps similarly to a Brandon Ingram.

UNDRAFTED DEEP SLEEPERS:

1. OSCAR TSHIEBWE - He might get drafted for his elite rebounding. He's sort of a throwback, undersized big man similar to Clint Capela that doesn't necessarily make your team drastically better, but fills a role. He is not an elite shot blocker but he can space out and is comfortable playing on a large stage. 

2. MARKQUIS NOWELL - After his heroic NCAA performance, he very well could be a late draft pick. His scoring and passing is top notch, but he is undersized. Isaiah Thomas is a good comp, with many even comparing him to Fred VanVleet. Between his size and draft age, he might need to earn a contract in the Summer League, but he might be acquired mid-second for cash considerations.

3. DREW TIMME - He is just a solid basketball player. His athleticism doesn't wow you, he's not a an elite defender, and he's not an elite shooter. He's also almost 23 years old. His ability to score around the basket, spread the floor with his passing, and make the most out of possessions might earn him a Summer League roster spot.

- Adam Safianow - Upsyde Sports [Copyright 2023]

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