When the Dallas Mavericks shockingly traded Luka Dončić in February just about everyone thought it was a historic blunder. However, what didn't get discussed enough was how the trade impacted Mavs' immediate future in the draft. After Kyrie Irving's devasting season-ending injury the need for a guard became even more clear. While this year's draft class is loaded with guards it's rightfully upsetting for Mavs fans that they have to draft a guard after having one of the best backcourts of all-time just months ago.
In Christopher Kline's latest mock draft, he projected the Mavericks selecting BYU's 6-foot-9 freshman guard Egor Demin with the No. 13 pick. Let's explore Demin's possible fit with Dallas.
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Egor Demin's fit with the Mavericks
Unless they crack the top four or make a surprising playoff push the Mavericks will be in the late lottery range. This puts them in a tough spot as the elite guards including Dylan Harper, VJ Edgecombe, Jeremiah Fears, Tre Johnson, Kasparas Jakucionis and Jase Richardson will all likely be off the board. Kline slotted Jakucionis at 11 and Richardson at 10 as the closest guards within Dallas' range.
Demin's upside is undeniable, especially as a playmaker with elite size. Nevertheless, his lack of athleticism and a consistent jump shot make him inherently risky. Notably, Demin shot 27.3 percent from beyond the arc on the season. Demin's season had highs and lows. In non-conference play, he averaged 13.3 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.6 rebounds with shooting splits of 49.3/38.5/68 at this time Demin was seen as a top prospect. However, in conference play, Demin averaged 9.3 points, 5.3 assists, and 3.5 rebounds with abysmal 37.8/22.3/67.3 shooting splits.
Demin is somewhat of a boom-or-bust prospect given these inconsistencies and clear drawbacks with his game. While he could become the Mavs' next franchise star it's just as possible he doesn't pan out.
Given Kline's projections, the Mavericks would likely have to take Demin as he's the best guard available. While it's a logical pick with their team needs it's tough to draft somewhat of a project player when you are trying to compete now. Ultimately it can all be traced back to the indefensible Dončić trade. Ideally, the Mavericks would have kept Luka and bolstered wing depth with a mid to late first-round pick but of course Nico Harrison had other plans.