Immediately after drafting Tyler Zeller with the 17th pick, the Mavs looking to retool traded him to Cleveland for the 24th, 33rd, and 34th picks. Mavs take advantage and grab three players that can really help a depleted roster; Jared Cunningham, Bernard James, and Jae Crowder. Cunningham is a good raw talent at the 2. James, a 27-year old Iraq war veteran center, drew the Newark fans admiration with "U.S.A" chants. A first for a Maverick draft pick. Crowder is big power forward at 6' 6'' 241 pounds with a high octane motor. Watching Crowder play at Marquette, he could be the energy guy off the bench to bring the enthusiam similar to Jet Terry.
The also selected Darius Johnson-Odom
Macs biggest impact will still be made in the free agent market. Question is: Are they trying to bring in players to match with Deron Williams or are they trying to package player to get Sworn here? Stay tuned...
More on the players:
Cunningham (6-4, 194) from Oregon State. Named First Team All-Pac 12 as a junior when he averaged 17.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.5 steals per game.
James (6-10, 240) from Florida State. Six years in Air Force including three tours in Iraq. ACC All-Defense team.
Crowder (6-6, 235) from Marquette. NJCAA Player of the Year when at Howard College. Big Eats Player of the Year averaging 17.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.5 steals per game in senior season.
