NBA: Dallas Mavericks Draft Message "Stay Tuned"

by Rodney Fisher

Rick Carlisle talks 2013 NBA Draft. Photo credit Rodney Fisher

“We knew it was going to be an unpredictable night”, says Rick Carlisle in regards to the 2013 NBA Draft.

The Dallas Mavericks approached their first lottery pick in years in typical fashion. Trade down and keep cap room. Draft moves again signify the franchise’s goal to stick to their plan they started after winning their first NBA title, get a big free agent. With rumors of Dwight Howard not staying in LA and the weak draft prospects, the Mavs worked the phones.

They traded the rights to their 13th draft pick to Boston, then traded to Atlanta, then...well, let’s just say at the end of the night they ended up with Shane Larkin from Florida, and Ricky Ledo from Providence. Jared Cunningham, last years first pick, is gone. The Ricky Ledo deal is not final. The Mavs need players, but is this the answer?

Carlisle: “This league now is a lot about playmakers [and] being able to take guys off the dribble.”

With this philsphoy, you could give the front office an A grade. Shane Larkin was one of the most impressive players at the draft combine in Chicago. Ledo, if acquired, did not play in college, but was one of the top five high school recruits a year prior.

Carlisle on Larkin: “Speed is so important in the game today and from an analytic standpoint he is one of the best guys coming out of college that can shoot off the dribble.”

Although Carlisle and GM Donnie Nelson praised the new rookie, neither one would commit that he would have a legitmate chance to start.

The biggest development in the Mavericks’ offseason plans was moving Jared Cunningham and his salary. The savings were small, but every dollar counts the next two offseasons for this team.

With more work to be done, Donnie Nelson commented that there is no doubt the team could shed enough salary to be in play for any free agent.

The big message tonight came from Rick Carlisle simply as, “stay tuned.” The Mavericks are getting ready to make their moves come July 1st.