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

3. Daniel Gafford

Daniel Gafford averaged 16.9 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game while shooting 66.0 percent from the field in his sophomore year at Arkansas.

Off the bench, Gafford could provide a much-needed defensive presence and would help on the boards as well. His 8.7 rebounds per game were more than anyone on the Mavs’ current roster last year, and his 2.0 blocks per game would’ve been second after Kristaps Porzingis, who averaged 2.4 blocks in the 2017-18 season.

Dallas ranked 18th in defensive rating without a true rim protector for the second half of the season. The Mavs rely heavily on team defense to get stops and grab rebounds, but Gafford could eliminate mistakes and is an insurance policy for when a defender gets beat off the dribble.

His game has offensive limitations, as his 3-point shot is virtually non-existent, but it’s unlikely that head coach Rick Carlisle would use him outside of the pick-and-roll. He could be paired well as a rim-runner with Luka Doncic, who excelled in setting up DeAndre Jordan for some vicious dunks.

The 6’11” forward is mobile and can get up quick, making exciting and tough plays around the rim. He also averaged an impressive 2.8 offensive rebounds per game.

He is also skilled in the post, as told by his high field goal percentage. He’s strong enough to finish through contact and doesn’t hold the ball for too long. He understands his role on the court and offensive limitations, never trying to do too much and hurt his team.

Gafford is an old-school center in the modern NBA, but that doesn’t mean he can’t provide value for Dallas. He adds depth with Porzingis coming back from injury and could make life easier on the rest of the Mavs on defense. Not a bad choice by any means.