Since losing Tyson Chandler in free agency years ago, the Dallas Mavericks have had a very hard time finding a center. A few years ago, it looked like they were going to be adding DeAndre Jordan in free agency. However, Jordan ended up passing on Dallas and going back to Los Angeles, leaving the Mavericks without a center still.
While Dirk Nowitzki is still playing, the Mavericks are a rebuilding team that is still in need of some talent. With the fifth pick, the Mavericks will be getting one of the top players in the draft and also will be filling a need at center by selecting Mohamed Bamba.
Even though some of the other bigs in the draft might be a bit more developed offensively than Bamba, he is the best defensive center in the draft. At Texas, Bamba averaged a ridiculous 3.7 blocks per game. As a defender, Bamba should be able to come into the NBA and be a factor on that end of the court right away.
While Bamba will have to work on his offensive game, he would be a perfect player to put next to Nowitzki as his career winds down. After taking Dennis Smith Jr. last year in the draft, adding Bamba would help the Mavericks’ rebuild continue to progress.