Dallas Mavericks: 2018 NBA Draft Lottery odds
The Dallas Mavericks find themselves back in the NBA Draft Lottery once again, but this time their goal should be to get out of it in 2019.
It’s no secret the Dallas Mavericks are in good hands after selecting Dennis Smith Jr. with the ninth overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Smith averaged 15.2 points, 5.2 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game for the Mavericks, although it was apparent in the early going, more help is needed.
The Mavericks’ odds for the 2018 NBA Draft Lottery are favorable in both the top-three picks as well as the overall No. 1 selection. Dallas has a 42.6 percent chance of getting a selection in the top three and a 13.8 percent chance to get the top pick, according to Tankathon.
Here’s a breakdown of their odds for each pick:
- 1st: 13.8%
- 2nd: 14.2%
- 3rd: 14.5%
- 4th: 23.8%
- 5th: 29.0%
- 6th: 4.5%
Dallas is one of three teams in the NBA favored to get the top pick. The other two teams are the Phoenix Suns and the Memphis Grizzlies.
After going to a 24-58 record in 2017-18, the Dallas Mavericks’ biggest need looks to be on the interior. With Dirk Nowitzki on the decline, they’ll need a new weapon, whether in the paint or on the perimeter, to complement what Smith can do. Nowitzki can still prove to be a valuable mentor and asset off the bench, but as the league continues to get younger, it’s time for Dallas to find another star.
It’s been awhile since the Mavericks have been this active in the NBA Draft Lottery. Outside of Dennis Smith Jr., their only other recent lottery pick was Kelly Olynyk back in the 2013 NBA Draft. Olynyk was selected 13th overall but was traded to the Boston Celtics on draft night.
Although they have some inexperience, the Mavs look to be on the right track so far with Dennis Smith Jr. Harrison Barnes and Wesley Matthews are also two veterans Smith has an opportunity to build something with going forward.
Barnes led the team in points per game (18.9) and rebounds (6.1) per game this season, along with 2.0 assists per game. Matthews was third on the team in scoring (12.7 points per game) while averaging 3.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists per contest.
The offensive potential is there, but they still need a solid post presence to balance things out. Dallas ranked 28th in the league in points per game (102.3) and 23rd in offensive rating (104.1) in 2017-18.
It’s hard to foresee the Mavericks not drafting a solid defensive big like Mo Bamba from Texas if he’s not the top pick. Bamba possesses the length and athleticism that the Mavericks need to be a successful team on both ends.
Dallas experimented with Nerlens Noel in that role this past season, but that plan ultimately fell apart. Noel put up 4.4 points and 5.6 rebounds per game in 30 games in 2017-18.
Next: Full two-round 2018 NBA Mock Draft
It will be interesting to see where the ball will roll for the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night.