The Dallas Mavericks 2009 Draft “haul”

As somebody who watched a lot of Big Ten basketball this year, consider me thankful that the Mavs did not end up keeping B.J. Mullens. While I don’t know him personally, the amount of time I spent watching him left me the opposite of impressed. To put it nicely.

So consider me pleased that the Mavs turned B.J. into something that I hope will be productive for the franchise, French PG Rodrigue Beaubois. (Along with a future pick)

Rodrigue Beaubois – drafted 25th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder, traded to Dallas for B.J. Mullens and a future draft pick

21 years old, 6-2, 182, PG, France

Played for Chalet in France this past season, averaging 8.5 ppg and 2 apg.

The Skinny: Lots of upside with this pick, but no immediate impact on the Mavs’ roster this year. From all reports, it sounds like Beaubois will play in France one more year and then come over for the ‘10-’11 season. Long, athletic point guard that is a good defender, but needs more time to work on his decision-making and learn the game.

The Reaction: At the very least, he’s better than B.J. Mullens – again, nothing personal B.J., I just don’t think you’re that good – but we’ve seen foreign players backfire before (Pavel Podkolzin), so it’s hard to tell what this really means for the Mavs.

Nick Calathes – drafted 45th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves, traded to Dallas for a second-round pick in 2010.

20 years old, 6-5, 185, PG, University of Florida (Sophomore)

Played two years at Florida, averaged 17.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg and 6.4 apg for the Gators in ‘08-’09.

The Skinny: A relatively high-rated prospect considering his draft position, Calathes is a versatile player who can play three positions with a good outside shot and good finishing skills around the basket. Right now the skinny on him is that he is a little skinny at only 185, but he was considered to be a mid to late first round talent, ranking 27th on ESPN’s Chad Ford’s list of Top 100 prospects.

The Issue: Calathes has already signed a professional contract to play in Greece. His team, Panathinaikos, signed veteran point guard Sarunas Jasikevicius, which would probably cut into the former Gator’s playing time, so there might be a chance for Dallas to sign the 20 year old.

The Reaction: If the Mavericks can get Calathes out of his contract, I think he makes this team next year. The only way that happens, though, is if the front office knows he will make an impact. If he can come off the bench and make shots, he could end up being a valuable player pretty soon.

Ahmad Nivins – drafted 56th overall by the Mavs.

22 years old, 6-9, 242, PF, St. Joseph’s University (Senior)

Played all four years at St. Joe’s, averaging 19.2 ppg and 11.8 rpg in 39.3 mpg as a senior.

The Skinny: An athletic big man that is a good rebounder and above-average shot blocker (1.8 bpg as a senior) with decent range. No question about his size, but he does not jump extraordinarily well and might be a step slow. Still, you can’t teach size, and he was the A-10 Player of the Year.

The Reaction: At first, I wasn’t real sure who this guy was, but after watching a few highlights and looking at some numbers and other opinions, it sounds like the Mavericks might have found a nice rebounder to come off the bench if he makes it. For the 56th pick, you’ll take it.

It’s possible that both of the Mavs’ first two picks will play this next year overseas, but it sounds like Nivins might have some sort of impact.

With the position they were put in, I definitely think the Mavs could have done a lot worse, but I’ve got a feeling there’s going to be a big trade or free-agent signing coming in the offseason for this team, which will really be how they help themselves.