Dallas Mavericks: 2018 NBA Draft grades

No. 56: Ray Spalding, Louisville (via Philadelphia 76ers)

Louisville Cardinals big man Ray Spalding was an early entrant in this year’s NBA Draft. Given the feedback he received, Spalding wasted no time in hiring an agent and it paid off in hearing his name called on Thursday night after the Mavs traded their 54th pick to the Sixers for No. 56 and No. 60.

Spalding is a 6’10”, 215-pound big man who made his presence felt in the paint this past season for the Louisville Cardinals. He hopes to do the same on a roster that’s desperate for help on the interior.

They signed Nerlens Noels to a one-year deal late in the offseason, but things didn’t go as planned. Dwight Powell is currently the only center on their payroll for the 2018-19 season.

Spalding produced 12.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 1.3 assists per contest as a junior this past season for Louisville. He posted 11 double-doubles and posted at least five blocks in four games this past season.

He’s a guy with upside that has an opportunity to make the Mavericks’ final 15-man roster. Even then, he can develop on the G League circuit as well.

Grade: C