Analyzing the Mavericks rookie class
The Mavericks selected three players in the 2020 NBA draft: Josh Green, Tyrell Terry, and Tyler Bey. Each player brings their own strengths and weaknesses to the Mavs. And in a year where Dallas is looking to compete, understanding what each rookie brings to the table is a necessity. Mavs rookie Josh Green: Green is […]
The Mavericks selected three players in the 2020 NBA draft: Josh Green, Tyrell Terry, and Tyler Bey. Each player brings their own strengths and weaknesses to the Mavs. And in a year where Dallas is looking to compete, understanding what each rookie brings to the table is a necessity.
Mavs rookie Josh Green:
Green is a 6'6", athletic, guard out of Arizona. He projects out as a pesky defender and holds good role-playing potential at the NBA level. In his lone season at Arizona, he averaged 12.6 points per game and 4.6 rebounds. At the start of his freshman season, he struggled with his perimeter jump shot. But by the end of the season, he showcased improvements in both his perimeter shooting and decision making on the floor, while playing 30 minutes a game.
His primary role at Arizona was as a defensive stopper on the perimeter. He often guarded multiple positions for the Wildcats. Being an elite defender meant he was tasked with guarding the leading wing or guard scorer on the opposing team.
In isolation situations, Green only allowed 0.83 points per possession, which was good enough for the 39 percentile in the country. Green also ranked sixth in the Pac-12 in steals.
For the Mavericks, Green will most likely serve as a rotational defender. He is an explosive run-and-jump athlete with an elite physical profile. His defensive instincts project well to the NBA level, and his improvement on his perimeter jump shot is a great sign for what is to come.
Mavs rookie Tyrell Terry:
Terry is a smooth 6'2" point guard, who emerged as a real difference-maker for Stanford last season. In his freshman season, he averaged 14.6 points per game and 3.2 assists. And the most attractive aspect of his game is the smooth jumper that he dawned nightly.
Terry ranked sixth in the Pac-12 in three-point percentage, shooting 40.8 percent. And one of his most impressive outings came against conference rival Utah, where he hit seven threes and notched 27 points.
The bottom line with Terry is that he is a skilled shot-maker with an advanced feel for the game. His jumper has deep range, which will help stretch the floor for Luka within the Dallas offense. And the game never speeds him up, he plays at his own pace. I see him playing a pseudo-curry type of role for this team as his career progresses.
Mavs rookie Tyler Bey:
Bey is one of the most intriguing prospects the Mavs took a chance on in the draft. He offers great NBA measurables at 6'7" with a 7-foot wingspan and great athleticism, but he is difficult to project out to the NBA level in terms of polished skill.
In three seasons in college Bey only attempted 59 three-pointers, and in the NBA that will have to change. Colorado often asks its big men to be a paint presence, but in an NBA game where pace and space are at a premium, Bey's game could come across as dated. His mechanics aren't broken, from a functionality standpoint. So, it will just take time and reps before he grows comfortable taking NBA threes.
An intriguing aspect of what he brings to the table is the willingness to do all the little things. That commitment to the small things on the floor, that add to winning, can only strengthen his chances of one-day seeing meaningful minutes on the floor. The Mavs selected a project with its last pick in the 2020 NBA draft, but that doesn't mean he can't grow into a good rotational player for this team in a few years.
What to expect from this Mavs rookie class:
Coming into the 2020 season, you cant expect max production from any of the rookies Dallas selected. Each one of the selections is a fit, and or, role selection. The Mavs have belief in the player development system it has in place, and expect that each one of these players will spend some time in it. However, that doesn't mean that these players don't have impact potential going forward.
For more on the recent roster moves, read up on the Mavs offseason at a glance.
Featured image via Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
