2. Omari Spellman, PF/C – Villanova
Omari Spellman is listed on all the draft sites as a power forward/center, but let’s be real: in the modern game, if he’s playing the 4, your GM has really made some poor roster decisions.
One look at how the Houston Rockets deploy P.J. Tucker should give you an idea of where Spellman’s eventual value lies: a super-switchable small-ball 5. The big question is whether he’ll be able to move on defense like Tucker and his ilk, who are as comfortable switching onto a guard as they are handling the Andre Drummonds and Dwight Howards of the world.
On offense, Spellman’s lone season at Villanova — where he shot 43 percent from deep on 3.8 attempts per game — gives hope to whoever drafts him that he can grow into a true floor-spacer on that end. His measurements at the combine (6’8″ without shoes and a 7’2″ wingspan) are also fine considering how big of a body Spellman is.
Like the other names on this list, Spellman isn’t a guarantee to be around at pick No. 33, but if he is, the Mavs would be smart to consider scooping him up, especially with the Western Conference trending the way it is.