Mavericks’ draft target list just got an unexpected name added to it

Mavericks’ draft target list just got an unexpected name added to it originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Dallas Mavericks have the 9th, 30th, and 48th picks in the June 23–24 NBA Draft. Most mock drafts and pre-draft discussions focused entirely on point guards. Following Kyrie Irving’s major injury setback, the team needs a young playmaker next to Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg. 

So, drafting a guard seemed like an obvious priority for the most important No. 9 pick. That is why it came as a massive surprise when NBA insider Jake Fischer reported a name that nobody in the Mavs community saw coming: Tennessee Volunteers forward Nate Ament.

According to Fischer, Ament “ranks as a strong contender to emerge as Dallas’ ultimate pick at No. 9,” per his report via “The Stein Line.” Fischer also listed the Los Angeles Clippers (No. 5) and Brooklyn Nets (No. 6) among teams showing interest, with rival executives viewing the Milwaukee Bucks at No. 10 as Ament’s draft floor.

Here, the main surprise isn’t just Dallas targeting a forward, but choosing Ament. He averaged 16.7 points and 6.3 rebounds as a Tennessee freshman, but shot just 39.9% from the field and 33.3% from three. An anonymous scout noted his up-and-down year, pointing out that a late-February ankle injury complicated his evaluation. 

However, he measured 6-foot-9.5 barefoot, and his 6-foot-11.5 wingspan offers elite length. This profile fits the long, switchable wing archetype historically favored by Masai Ujiri, giving Dallas a developmental partner for Flagg. 

While most mock drafts slate Ament to Milwaukee at No. 10, Fischer’s report shows Dallas is keeping its options open past point guards with draft night five days away.

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