Dallas, TX
Grading the Dallas Mavericks’ decision to draft Olivier-Maxence Prosper
The Dallas Mavericks entered the 2023 NBA Draft with one selection in the first round.
They held the 10th overall pick, and ended up trading it along with Davis Bertans to the Oklahoma City Thunder for the 12th overall pick and a TPE (traded player exception). With the 12th pick, they selected Dereck Lively II, the 7’1 center from Duke.
Fans were excited by this move, but it seemed like the night was far from over. Another move was written in the stars.
The next move came about an hour and a half later and included the Mavericks trading back into the second round. The Mavs sent the TPE from the trade with the Thunder to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for the No. 24 pick and Richaun Holmes.
The Kings selected Olivier-Maxence Prosper with the 24th pick and traded him to the Mavericks. The 6’8 forward from Marquette averaged 12.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per game. He is a 3-and-D wing, something that Dallas needed desperately, and he could be in the rotation immediately.
Prosper is a great defender that has incredible instincts. He understands rotations and plays solid, fundamental defense. Prosper has the quickness to switch onto guards and the strength to handle his own with bigger players.
On offense, Prosper is an athletic floor spacer that can put the ball on the floor and score off the dribble when he needs to. He shot 33.9 percent from three last season at Marquette but should be able to improve as he’ll get plenty of open looks playing next to Luka Doncic. Prosper also is a walking highlight reel in transition as he often throws down ferocious dunks.
When he’s not knocking down threes or dunking the ball, he’s setting screens and cutting to the bucket. He is active even when he doesn’t have the ball and brings great hustle.
He’s an exciting player that fits great in Dallas.
Dallas gets an A for this pick as they traded back into the first round by taking on Holmes and snagged a versatile wing. You can never have too many versatile wings, and Dallas needed some youth.
O MAX – dallas. A. 3-and-D wing with great frame. Active cutter that finishes above the rim. Olivier-Maxence Prosper
Dallas addressed several serious needs tonight and bolstered their roster. Stay tuned to see the other moves the Mavs make at the start of free agency and how they decide to construct the rest of their team.