With one of the most sensational young superstars in the league at the helm in Luka Doncic, the Dallas Mavericks already have the ‘it’ factor player that franchises long for. Adding the uber-talented Kristaps Porzingis to the roster gives the Mavs a second star and the status of a playoff contender.
However, if Dallas wants to be seen as a championship contender, they’ll need to compete with at least the triumvirate of the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors. In order to do that, they’ll need to make slight but significant upgrades all over the roster.
Related: Full Boston Celtics 2020 Salary Cap Preview
Mavericks Draft Needs
With the Mavericks looking to add a third star to the roster, the players selected with their picks in the 2020 NBA Draft may not even be on the roster on opening night.
If Dallas was to keep their picks though, addressing their defense would be the obvious priority.
There are quite a few players in the rotation that are difficult to replace but not the most impactful defenders. Of course, if Dallas manages to swing a trade for an additional star, then players with higher salaries will be sent away. As a result, the Mavs have to be even more careful to select the right players.
If Dallas can find a defensive-minded wing or guard with one of their two picks in the upcoming draft, then they should walk way from draft night satisfied. Because of their lack of depth at small forward, the Mavericks would likely prefer a wing.
2020 NBA Draft Prospect Watchlist
| No. 18 overall | No. 31 overall |
| F Saddiq Bey, Villanova | G Immanuel Quickley, Kentucky |
| G-F Aaron Nesmith, Vanderbilt | G Tyrese Maxey, Kentucky |
| PG Kira Lewis Jr., Alabama | PG Tyrell Terry, Stanford |
| F Jaden McDaniels, Washington | F Tyler Bey, Colorado |
| SG Josh Green, Arizona | PG Tre Jones, Duke |
What The Mocks Are Saying
| The Ringer | Aaron Nesmith (No. 18) |
| The Athletic | Aleksej Pokusevski (No. 18), Tyrell Terry (No. 31) |
| USA TODAY Sports | R.J. Hampton (No. 18) |
| CBS Sports | R.J. Hampton (No. 18) |
| The Score | Jalen Smith (No. 18) |
Projected Roster
| PG | Luka Doncic |
| PG | Jalen Brunson |
| SG | Tim Hardaway Jr. |
| SG | Seth Curry |
| SG | Delon Wright |
| PF | Kristaps Porzingis |
| PF | Dorian Finney-Smith |
| PF | Justin Jackson |
| C | Dwight Powell |
| C | Willie Cauley-Stein |
| C | Boban Marjanovic |
| C | Maxi Kleber |
