Dallas Mavericks: 2018 NBA Draft grades
No. 33: Jalen Brunson, Villanova
It looked like the Dallas Mavericks would draft for need on Thursday night after trading away Trae Young in the first round, but not so fast. The Mavericks used their second round pick on Villanova Wildcats point guard Jalen Brunson, adding to an already packed rotation of guards.
Brunson does have two national titles, an AP Player of the Year and Big East Player of the Year award under his belt coming in, so if anything, he knows how to be part of a winning squad.
Quote about Jalen Brunson from @SethDavisHoops most recent article. Best quote I've heard about an NBA Draft prospect:
— John Zall (@John_Zall) June 18, 2018
"He’ll help you win on a Monday night in the middle of January when it’s your third game in four nights and no one wants to play but him.”
He averaged 18.9 points, 4.6 assists and 3.1 rebounds in 2017-18 while shooting 52.1 percent from the field and 40.8 percent from 3-point range. His play also earned him the Naismith and Wooden awards during the 2017-18 season.
Considering the Mavericks didn’t hesitate to select yet another guard, this could signal a shift for guards like Yogi Ferrell and J.J. Barea. Ferrell will be a restricted free agent this offseason.
There’s a logjam in the backcourt or certainly will be if things pan out with Dennis Smith Jr. and Luka Doncic together. It will be interesting to see where Brunson fits in if he makes the final roster.
Grade: B-