Mavericks Draft Preview

Here are scouting reports for some of the most likely candidates for the Mavericks at pick number 21, all of whom happen the be guards. Recent players picked at #21 include Mitch McGary, Gorgui Dieng and Jared Sullinger.

R.J. Hunter
6-6, SG, Georgia State
A NCAA tournament hero last season thanks his game winning shot to upset Baylor, Hunter is considered one of the best shooters in the draft. With the Mavs need for shooting and size in the backcourt he could be an instant rotation player.

Tyus Jones
6-2, PG, Duke
While the Final Four Most Outstanding Player lack elite size and athleticism he makes up for it with a high basketball IQ and strong shooting and court vision.

Jerian Grant
6-4, PG, Notre Dame
The son of longtime NBA player Harvey, Grant would give the Mavs size at the point they haven't had since Jason Kidd. He may lack the upside of other prospects but he should be able to contribute right away with his strong playmaking skills and pick-and-roll play.

Delon Wright
6-6, PG, Utah
The brother of NBA veteran Dorrell, Wright is another big guard with experience who can do a lot of different things including defend. His shooting does need to improve, however.

Rashad Vaughn
6-5, SG, UNLV
The college one-and-doner has seen his stock rise of late thanks to his jump shot and ability to attack the basket. He probably has the most upside of any of the other guards the Mavs might consider.

Dirk To Play For Germany

The allure of finishing his national team career in his home country was too great for Dirk Nowitzki to pass up. Dirk announced today that he will play for Germany at EuroBasket 2015 in Berlin this September.
"I've chosen to be in Berlin," Nowitzki said. "A EuroBasket in our home country is a huge thing and I look forward to it, I thought it would be a great way to conclude my national team career."
Dirk last played for Germany in the 2011 EuroBasket. The top two teams in the tournament will qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. 

NBA Finals Prediction

Warriors 4 Cavaliers 2
MVP: Stephen Curry

Mocking the Mavs

With the lottery completed and the draft order set, last night saw a flurry of mock drafts posted online. A look at who those mocks have the Mavs selecting with the 21st pick.

ESPN.com (Chad Ford)
R.J. Hunter, SG, Georgia St.
"The Mavs are potentially looking at holes at the 1, 2 (assuming Monta Ellis opts out) and 5 this year. Adding a potential lights-out shooter such as Hunter makes a lot of sense. Delon Wright, Justin Anderson and Rashad Vaughn are other possibilities for Dallas.

NBA.com (Scott Howard-Cooper)
Tyus Jones, PG, Duke
"Jones has great instincts, especially for a freshman, sees the court, plays at different speeds, and had an assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.16-1 through Jan. 21. The other reason Dallas would like Jones: He's not Rajon Rondo."

SB Nation (Kevin O' Connor)
Rondae Hollis Jefferson, SF, Arizona
"Hollis-Jefferson is a stout perimeter defender with the versatility to defend multiple positions. His jumper is a major weakness, but the Mavericks have a history of helping players develop into competent shooters."

CBS Sports (Zach Harper)
Tyus Jones, PG, Duke
"Rajon Rondo won't be an option for the Mavericks' point guard position after all, so Tyus Jones could come in and fight for a starting spot right away. He has enough size and plenty of skill to fit in with Rick Carlisle's demands."

SI.com (Chris Mannix)
Montrezl Harrell, PF, Louisville

"The Mavs need a point guard, and Utah’s Delon Wright is a candidate here. But Harrell—a high motor scorer/rebounder with an NBA body—could be tough to pass up for a team that will eventually need to start thinking of life after Dirk Nowtizki."

Draft Express
Jerian Grant, PG, Notre Dame 

NBADraft.net
Delon Wright, PG, Utah

Conference Finals Predicitions

Warriors 4 Rockets 1
Cavaliers 4 Hawks 2

Conference Semifinals Predictions

Golden St. 4 Memphis 1
L.A. Clippers 4 Houston 2
Atlanta 4 Washington 3
Cleveland 4 Chicago 2

Parsons Has Knee Surgery

The Mavericks announced today that Chandler Parsons underwent arthroscopic knee surgery to address the cartridge injury in his right knee. The surgery was preformed by Mavs team doctor T.O. Souryal in Dallas. A timetable for his return to basketball activities will be determined in the future.

Parsons posted the following photo on Instagram with the message:  "Thank you for all the support throughout this process. I will be back stronger and better than ever!!"