NBA Draft 2017: 5 best fits for Markelle Fultz

4. Dallas Mavericks

For the latter half of the 2016-17 NBA season, the Mavericks were starting an undrafted point guard out of Illinois, Yogi Ferrell. In 36 appearances with Dallas, including 29 starts, Ferrell averaged 11.3 points and 4.3 assists per game. But there’s a reason that Ferrell went undrafted and why he’s better suited to be in a J.J. Barea-esque backup role. He’s limited by his 6-foot-0 frame and poor shooting from the field.

The Mavericks are trying to find a direction for their franchise, as Dirk Nowitzki is in the twilight years of his career. Mark Cuban and Co. tried to reload around Nowitzki, but it was a failed experiment. In order to find some sustained success, the Mavs will need to build through the NBA Draft. What better way than to add the best overall prospect, a point guard in Markelle Fultz?

Adding Fultz can lock down a position of need for the Mavericks and they could be set for the long-term future. WIth Fultz locked down, Dallas can build around him with supplementary pieces. His offense and vision will come in handy for Dallas right away and improve their team. Fultz will also be able to learn how to be a professional under Nowitzki. He’ll benefit under the tutelage of Rick Carlisle, one of the top coaches in the NBA.

Once again, Fultz is unlikely to be there at No. 9, when the Mavericks make the first-round selection, so they’ll likely have to move up to get him. But Fultz would look great in Big D for years to come.