NBA Draft Lottery 2018: Who each team should take with the No. 1 pick

By Ian Levy | May 15, 2018

WIZINK CENTER, MADRID, SPAIN - 2018/05/03: Luka Doncic, #7 of Real Madrid pictured prior to the 2017/2018 Liga Endesa Regular Season (game 29) between Real Madrid and Kirolbet Baskonia at WiZink Center in Madrid. (Photo by Jorge Sanz/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 9: Arizona forward Chase Jeter (4) and Arizona forward Deandre Ayton (13) look on before the semifinal game of the mens Pac-12 Tournament between the UCLA Bruins and the Arizona Wildcats on March 9, 2018, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Dallas Mavericks — DeAndre Ayton (13.8% chance)

For as bad as their record was this season, the Mavericks are also caught between a few different timelines. They have a talented young point guard in Dennis Smith Jr., a high-priced wing in the prime of his career in Harrison Barnes, and an aging great in Dirk Nowitzki, who has committed to coming back next year.

The Mavericks need talent, they need upside for the future, but someone who could also contribute right away could help them spin quickly towards competitiveness before Dirk walks away for good. The Mavericks will also certainly consider Doncic, and Jackson is another intriguing option. However, thinking about what this team could look like after Dirk retires, may tip the scales towards Ayton.

He could form a potent inside-out duo with Smith and, surrounded by three other shooters, make for the foundations of an incredibly effective offense. The defense would be an open question but the offensive ceiling is through the roof.

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