The Mavericks gave up second-round picks in 2024 and 2028 to the Kings in order to draft Jaden Hardy at No. 37, but they had the G League Ignite guard rated much higher, Tim MacMahon of ESPN tweets.
Hardy was ranked No. 19 on Dallas’ draft board, which convinced Mavs — who had dealt their picks in both rounds — to jump back into the draft. He averaged 17.7 PPG, 4.6 RPG and 3.2 APG for the Ignite.
We have more from the Southwest Division:
- Ohio State’s E.J. Liddell was projected in mock drafts as a first-rounder and that’s where the Pelicans had him rated, Christian Clark of the New Orleans Times-Picayune tweets. Liddell slipped down to New Orleans’ second-round pick at No. 41. The Buckeyes forward averaged 19.4 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 2.5 APG, and 2.6 BPG over 33.2 MPG last season.
- Even though pre-draft rumors swirled regarding a potential trade of their lottery pick, Pelicans GM Trajan Langdon said the team didn’t have serious conversations about moving down from the No. 8 spot, Will Guillory of The Athletic tweets. They chose G League Ignite guard Dyson Daniels.
- The Rockets were “beyond excited” that Jabari Smith was still on the board at No. 3 when the Magic pivoted to Paolo Banchero at the top spot, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle writes. GM Rafael Stone wouldn’t indicate if he would have chosen Smith with the No. 1 pick but he was thrilled the Auburn forward was there for the taking at No. 3, saying it “made my night.” “He’s just so big and he moves his feet exceptionally well on the perimeter,” Stone said. “I don’t remember anybody at his size in college with his ability to stay in front and contain and contest on the perimeter. He’s also good on the interior.”
- Stone and his staff were “sweating bullets” that LSU forward Tari Eason would drop to their pick at No. 17, Feigen adds in the same story. The Rockets view Eason as an elite defender. “Tari can play defense, man,” he said. “He plays really hard and he’s a great athlete and he’s really committed on the defensive end. Some defensive players contain. Very few are playmakers. I would definitely consider him a playmaker on defense.”
- Pelicans draft-and-stash second rounder Karlo Matkovic is close to signing with Slovenia’s Cedevita, according to Antigoni Zachari of EuroHoops.net. The Crotian forward/center, selected 52nd overall, is expected to join New Orleans’ Summer League roster.
I’m still angry my nuggets picked Watson over Liddell. He would have been a perfect fit.
I thought the Nuggets were going to get him too. He’s like a baby Paul Milsap. Christian Braun was a great pick tho.
Yeah I like the braun pick. I was high on him all year. People think he’s a Duncan Robinson shooter only type because he’s a white guy, but he’s a sneaky good rebounder and defender.
Nobody compares Smith to John Collins. I am the only one.
Rockets need someone like Trae Young to make Smith better
Both Jalen Green and Smith like shooting, may not be able to make each other better.
Both Green and Smith are bad playmakers, have poor court vision and passing skills.
Defense is what the Rockets need now.
Hence Eason
and picked up true pg tyty.
New Orleans definitely has a lot of depth at the 4 now…still cant believe so many teams that need defense at the 4/5 passed on Liddell
I also had Eason higher. Definitely a strong first couple of picks for Houston that fit a lot better than Banchero probably would have for them. They do have a lot of young guys though. They could use defense/playmaking at PG, since they refuse to let John Wall play. I guess that worked out for them though, ending up with Smith
Eason & Lidell for me too, good value.
Rockets may be the luckiest team with Jabari & Eason available at their slots. Tyty may have been overrated in the first place… a year with strong PGs would have seen him slot lower anyway. He may be a tease like Christopher. They’re not bad, but the PG sets the tone and the tone should not be, struggling.
Dyson was a great pick for Pelicans. He’s got great size and potential to be a great 2way player. His D and size can help them next yr. Will only get better every yr.
Hardy also a great pickup in second rd. He was one of top HS players coming out. Not a Mavs fan. But this kid can get his act together and flourish.
Rockets had best night imo. Love all three picks. All will be staters one day. Jabari is next great PF. I always said. You get a big who’s a star. And a guard who’s a star. And you have the makeup for great chemistry team. Rockets definitely have two future stars in Smith and Green. I would move Porter now. Avoid the contract BS. TyTy is a starting PG in NBA. Wish the Knicks would of taken him.
Agree with all, except, TyTy may not be the starter you want.
Hardy is fine insurance if they lose Brunson. GM Rose must be Brunson or bust. Knicks seem like a better spot for him than Dallas.
I like TyTy. I see another Garland. And he’s 6’ 3”.
Looks like Brunson will be a Knick. Not really a fan.
I thought the Knicks would have taken AJ Griffin or Malaki Branham, with both there for them on the board
Yeah I was 100% sure they would take Griffin. I would have taken Agbaji.
This only tells me they are going after Brunson and players for now. Those picks help in a trade. It’s the only answer to not drafting imo.
I thought Agbaji could be an option as well, but his shooting is inconsistent at the moment, so I didn’t mention him
I also wouldnt use the mo eye on Brunson. I would take a look at the young guards like McBride and Grimes, and potentially try to add a 3 and D wing behind Barrett, and maybe a floor spacing big
…and also probably someone that can play defense at the 4/potentially shoot too