Dallas Mavericks: Post Players Available At No. 51

Earlier this week, we broke down possible draft targets for the Dallas Mavericks with the 34th pick in the NBA Draft.

The Mavs, who hold two second-round picks when the draft begins on June 26, also hold the 51st pick.

Dallas has a number of options at No. 34 with players who can score, are athletic and fill immediate needs especially in the front court. When the Mavs are on the clock the second time in 12 days time, there are still options to be had in regards to immediate need.

This is also the area where you can a number of players who won’t find playing time immediately. Some of these players will see some time in the D-League, or at the very end of the bench in their first year or two.

So let’s take a look at players Dallas could target with the 51st pick.

James Michael McAdoo: SF/PF – North Carolina

There’s a lot to like about McAdoo. He’s 6-foot-9, plays well around the rim for his size and even has a decent mid-range game. He shows some flashes of Udonis Haslem with what he can do at both ends of the court.

McAdoo averaged more than 14 points and almost seven rebounds per game for the Tar Heels last season, and the Mavs would benefit greatly having a backup power forward behind Dirk Nowitzki. You’ll notice that trend as you continue to read.

But not only can McAdoo give you some points, his 7-foot-2 wingspan is also something to like when you’re playing power forward on the defensive end. He would find a role right away and be asked to contribute immediately if he’s drafted by Dallas. There’s plenty of upside when it comes to McAdoo.

Khem Birch: PF/C – UNLV

All right, maybe this is wishful thinking on my part. But in case you haven’t seen Khem Birch live, one game will tell you that defensively, there’s nothing to dislike.

The two-time Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year averaged nearly four blocks per game last season in his first full season as the Rebels’ starting center. Yes, he was also named the Defensive Player of the Year the season prior while coming off the bench.

At 6-foot-9, Birch may be one of the most athletic big men in this draft class. His shot blocking and rebounding ability immediately leap off the page. He’s reportedly been impressing scouts and had good one-on-one drills against Indiana’s Noah Vonleh, who may be the top power forward in the draft. But he’s raw offensively, and needs to build some muscle. But the Mavs could use a shot blocker, and when it comes to that, there’s nothing to knock when it comes to Birch.

Dwight Powell: PF/C – Stanford

Stanford was one of the surprises in the NCAA tournament this spring, and one of the reasons for that was the play of the 6-foot-11 big man Powell.

Powell had an excellent junior season for the Cardinal, averaging almost 15 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. His stats took a slight drop in his senior season (14 points, 6.9 rebounds), he played a big role in Stanford eliminating Andrew Wiggins and Kansas with 15 points and seven rebounds.

Powell is a lot like McAdoo in that he has a good mid-range game. He also has good ball-handling ability for his size, which is a plus for any big man. But just like Birch, he needs to add some strength to be a viable low-post option. But he has plenty of skills from mid-range that the Mavs could utilize.

Any late-round projects catch your eye? Put them in the comments section.