Dallas Mavericks: 5 options for pick No. 37 in 2019 NBA Draft

5. Grant Williams

In his junior season at Tennessee, Grant Williams averaged career highs with 18.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game on 56.5 percent shooting from the field. In all three seasons as a Volunteer, he improved in almost every statistical category and became a two-time SEC Player of the Year winner.

The forward made many plays on the defensive end night in and night out, averaging 1.5 blocks and 1.1 steals per game. The Mavs ranked 20th and 26th in blocks and steals per game, respectively, and could get a boost in those two areas with Williams.

Williams is also a very good passer, often finding teammates cutting to the basket or on the perimeter. His defense and playmaking was critical as he helped the Volunteers to the Sweet 16 in 2019.

Although he’s a willing and capable defender, Williams’ offensive game will be at a disadvantage at the NBA level. He scores in transition and in the post, but at 6’7″, doesn’t have a consistent jump shot to rely on. Williams also shot a low 32.6 percent from 3-point range, on only 1.2 attempts per game.

Williams’ fit with the Mavericks is also questionable. Dallas already has capable 3-and-D forwards in Dorian Finney-Smith, Maxi Kleber and now Justin Jackson, who was acquired from the Sacramento Kings in the Harrison Barnes trade. All three of them averaged at least 3.0 long range point attempts per game last season.

Although Finney-Smith and Kleber are restricted free agents, they likely are not going to sign elsewhere. All of this, coupled with the possibility that Dallas will target skilled forwards like Tobias Harris and Khris Middleton in free agency, could force Williams to ride the bench and not play many minutes early in his Mavs career.

Williams’ defensive prowess will get him on the court, but adapting and improving his offensive game will keep him there. He doesn’t fill an immediate need, nor can he be expected to contribute right away. Although a talented and nice prospect, the Mavericks selecting Williams with the No. 37 overall pick should depend on the availability of other prospects.