2018 NBA Mock Draft: What’s in store for the second round?

In a draft combine recap column this week, The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor called Hervey “the most intriguing player of the combine,” calling Hervey’s combination of physical tools and basketball skill “tantalizing,” and bringing up the idea that Hervey could even rise into the end of the first round.

It’s difficult to imagine that happening considering his injury history with multiple knee injuries, but Hervey playing right in the Mavs’ backyard certainly helps connect the team to the senior. Hervey shot 34 percent on 6.9 3s per game in his final season in Arlington, raised his free-throw percentage each year, and contributed steal and block percentages over 2.0.

If Hervey can develop his ball skills, he could be a tremendous two-way player. In his senior season, he had more assists than turnovers but has the confidence in his handle to take shots at the end of the clock like this one against Texas State.

The Mavericks continue to toe the line between competing now and in the future and seem determined to use their cap space. They may center their offense around a new face like Julius Randle, but that would also allow them to get creative with an athletic project like Hervey behind the scenes.