Dirk Nowtizki has been with the Dallas Mavericks a long time. So long in fact that it is probably worthwhile to take his insider information as accurate. In a tweet from Mavs beat writer Earl K. Sneed, Nowitzki says the team is hoping to add a point guard and that that should come as no surprise to the rest of the league.
Dirk Nowitzki on the @dallasmavs in the NBA Draft: "Obviously, we'd love to have a point guard. I think that's not a secret."
— Earl K. Sneed (@EarlKSneed) June 6, 2017
Dallas endured a trying season, though there are plenty of positives to take away from it. The team found Yogi Ferrell to be a competent NBA point guard, immediately signing him to a long-term deal. The signing of Harrison Barnes to a hefty contract also did not turn out to be a total disaster, which is a positive. And the Mavs made an excellent trade deadline move in acquiring Nerlens Noel from the Sixers. Noel is likely to get a max contract, even if it is not from the Mavericks. Dallas, and particularly Rick Carlisle, would like to have him back however.
The Mavericks may decide to add a point guard in the draft. French sensation Frank Ntilikina has popped up in many mock drafts as a potential long-term solution the position. Ntilikina may be the last of the high-end point guards, so Dallas may have their hand forced depending on how draft night turns out. Regardless, if Nowitzki says the team is looking to add a point guard then that is most likely the truth.
Dirk also delved a little into the Mavs’ draft philosophy. When asked about 7’0″ big man Lauri Markkanen, Nowitzki was complementary about his character but does not feel the Mavericks will select him.
Dirk calls Lauri Markkanen a "good kid." Adds "he's got a future in this league" but doesn't think "that's the route we're going to take."
— Earl K. Sneed (@EarlKSneed) June 6, 2017
Markkanen, a Finnish player from Arizona, is projected top eight pick in the NBA Draft. Some people feel he could the heir apparent to Nowitzki in Dallas, but it appears that is not the route the front office wants to take. Markkanen was an extremely efficient scorer in college and figures to translate well to the NBA. It looks like that will be with a team other than the Mavericks.
