Mavericks Mock Draft #1

Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com
Mavericks Mock Draft #1 (04/03/10)

With the 2010 NBA Draft just three weeks away, the Inside Report goes scouring through the most trusted mock drafts across the internet for insight into what direction the Dallas Mavericks may be looking to go with the 50th overall selection.

Sitting 20 picks into the second round, the Mavericks are scouting the college ranks and the international basketball circuit for a difference-maker. But for a squad loaded with talent -- from future Hall of Famers Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd to first-year guard Rodrigue Beaubois -- what hole do the Mavs look to fill?

"The good thing is that we've got some good, young, exciting pieces -- coupled with the experience of Dirk and Jason," president of basketball operations and GM Donnie Nelson said. "We feel like with a couple of additions, we'll be right back in the thick of things next year."

But after sending one second-round pick (the 57th overall selection) to Indiana on Wednesday -- a task the front office had to do either this summer or next year -- the Mavericks only have the No. 50 pick to add a newcomer.

DraftExpress.com has the Mavericks going after a big man, specifically Derrick Caracter out of UTEP. The 6-9, 265-pounder is capable of playing both the power forward and center positions, averaging 14.1 points and 8.1 rebounds during his junior season.

Caracter, an interior post presence noted for his skill level, is highly-regarded for his ability to score in an array of ways. Despite his big frame, Caracter is noted for his great "finesse game," showcasing that he is capable of scoring with both hands around the basket. He is also said to be a great offensive rebounder. All of which could be used to bolster the Mavs' front line.

"There are certain things that everybody is looking for -- strength, athleticism, length, shooting ability, the ability to drive the ball. We're going to be looking for all those elements that would enhance our core group," Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said.


Those attributes also fit Miami senior Dwayne Collins, who Hoopsworld.com has on Dallas' radar.

Like Caracter, Collins spent his collegiate days playing at the power forward and center positions. At 6-foot-8, a muscular Collins was a load in the paint for college opponents. Though he would naturally be considered too undersized to play the five spot -- weighing in at 232 pounds -- his wingspan is said to be 7'3", giving Collins the ability to match up against bigger, stronger and taller players.

Averaging 12.0 points and 7.8 rebounds in 29 games played in the 2009-10 season, Collins showed an ability to play with his back to the basket. The 22-year-old also shot an extraordinary 60.4 percent from the field during his senior year, making him a more than adequate, young contributor for a veteran Mavericks' frontcourt.

"Anything we can do to improve the team -- to improve the elements to enhance our entire situation -- we're going to do it," Carlisle said.

And improving the team is what the Mavericks will be out to do when they use their one and only pick in the draft on June 24.

The "Mavericks Mock Draft" series continues every Thursday leading up to the NBA Draft. For all of your news on the Dallas Mavericks this offseason, visit Mavs.com. Follow Earl K. Sneed on Twitter at www.twitter.com/EarlKSneed.