Dallas Mavericks: Targets For 34th Pick In NBA Draft

The Dallas Mavericks will not have a first-round pick heading into the NBA Draft on June 26.

Maybe that’s a good thing.

The Mavs’ eye for draft talent is so minimal, it’s to the point where it’s almost non-existent. This even dates back to before Donnie Nelson and Mark Cuban. In the last 20 years, Dallas has drafted a total of two players who scored double digits in points. Those were Josh Howard and Jason Kidd.

But the 2014 NBA Draft may have the deepest draft class in the last decade. It’s certainly deeper than last year’s. Coming from a UNLV student, I’m still scratching my head over Anthony Bennett as the No. 1 pick.

The best part about the second round is that no contracts are guaranteed, and that’s where the Mavs would like to be heading into free agency, with the most cap space available. But the Mavs can fill some needs at No. 34, especially in the frontcourt.

Let’s take a look at some guys who may be on Dallas’ radar when on the clock.

Glenn Robinson III – SF/Michigan

Robinson has been projected on some mocks to go late in the first round, and it’s not hard to see why. He’s got the ideal size at small forward (6-foot-7) and is a very capable scorer. He shot 48 percent from the floor in 32.3 minutes per game last season for Michigan.

The biggest concern for the son of the former All-Star is his 3-point shooting. GR3 shot just 30 percent from behind the line last season. He’s a natural power forward who has tried to convert to a small forward, and that helps when he scores. But the upside and potential is there.

Patric Young – C/Florida

The Mavs could always use someone who’s taller than 6-foot-10, can play center and do decently on the defensive end. Enter the Florida big man Young, who does everything you want defensively. Offensively, like most big-man prospects this summer, Young is raw and will need to develop.

But no one can deny his athleticism and strength, which are traits the Mavs could use. The numbers weren’t there with Young, as he didn’t average over seven rebounds a game once during his four years at Florida. But he’s another guy with plenty of upside. Given time to develop and get bigger, he could be a nice developmental project for Dallas and head coach Rick Carlisle.

Kyle Anderson – F/UCLA

Here’s the sleeper. Anderson has plenty of potential. He’s got the power forward size at 6-foot-9, but he’s got the handles and the passing ability of point guard.

Who doesn’t like the thought of a point-forward on someone’s team? Anderson is a first-round talent, but his draft stock has been drastically sliding because he doesn’t possess the athleticism and quickness one needs to be an effective point-forward. At best, Anderson is a four who can stretch the floor.

The biggest red flag may be his inability to defend. Anderson has been labeled a defensive liability, and the last thing the Mavs need is someone who can’t defend. But Anderson, given his talent, would be a steal at No. 34 for Dallas.

Is there anyone in particular you want to see the Mavs go after? Leave them in the comments section.