2018 NBA Draft: Biggest winners and losers

Winner: Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks could not have made a single other pick after the trade was announced for Luka Doncic and still would have made this list. Then they came back into the second round and selected Jalen Brunson. It is very rare for teams to get value out of both their first and second round picks in the same draft, but I think the Mavericks definitely got their money’s worth.

The Mavericks made a trade with the Atlanta Hawks to move up to No. 3 and trade Trae Young’s draft rights for Luka Doncic. The Slovenian teenage sensation has been my favorite player in the draft and my pick to be the best player in this class.

However, I have always been outspoken about Doncic being paired with a primary creator, at least at the beginning  of his career. Doncic excelled in FIBA EuroBasket last summer playing alongside Goran Dragic. Alongside Dennis Smith Jr., Doncic could be the secondary ball-handler that could focus on scoring, putting pressure on the defense and making quality passing reads when penetrating. Dallas’ strong international presence should help Luka transition easier into American life.

Then the Mavericks selected Jalen Brunson in the second round. Personally, I believe this was tremendous value. Dallas snagged a solid rotation player that can come in and replace J.J. Barea after next season and their swarm of underwhelming, undersized guards. Finally, traded for Ray Spalding and Kostas Anteotkounmpo, which I think is fine. Maybe send Giannis’ little brother to the G League for a few years and see how he develops, but Doncic and Brunson are the real prizes here.