Post by nick24 on Jul 19, 2010 14:19:04 GMT -5
It was a long 1998 season for the Dallas Mavericks. They were able to unload some questionable salaries and stockpile the youth around they hopeful superstar PF Dirk Nowitzki. Going into the 1999 season, the Mavs knew they had a solid core that included GF Jalen Rose, SG Bonzi Wells, SG Cuttino Mobley, SF Al Harrington, and C Jermaine O'Neal. What the Mavs knew also is that they had a top pick in the 1999 draft. What they didn't know is that they would end up falling in the draft lotto.
Without a doubt, the Mavs were targeting a PG in this draft. That being said, their prime targets were PG's 1a. Steve Francis and 1b. Baron Davis, with Andre Miller behind them. In terms of the talent level and potential, it looked unlikely that Francis nor Davis would be a Maverick after the draft being they had the #4 pick. Therefore, the Mavs started to focus their attention on SG Manu Ginobili and letting Rose work on his PG skills in the offseason.
The Mavs had scouted both Davis and Francis extensively, knowing their basketball skills and life off the court. Manu was really an unknown to them. The Mavs GM had to fly all the way to Italy and watch Ginobili play for his club team, Viola Reggio Calabria. They noticed that he was a slasher who could shoot from any range on the court. He also possessed a nice amount of athleticism. Foreign players are known for their "softness". Ginobili was as scrappy as they come.
With their mind set on Ginobili, the Mavs were surprised with the way the draft was shaping up. SF Shawn Marion went #1, SF Andrei Kirilenko went #2, and PG Baron Davis went #3. The Mavs knew they were lucky because their #1 guy on their draft board was still available. Therefore, the Mavs selected Francis over Ginobili to be their PG for many years to come.
The Mavs love Francis' skill set. For a PG, he's very athletic, having the ability to dunk with the best. They understand that most of his Inside scoring is dedicated to athleticism. His Outside game is definitely his weakness. He doesn't really possess a great form with his jumpshot and his 3PT range is very minimal. The Mavs will definitely work with Francis on that. His ball handling skills are amazing. Add that with his quickness makes him lethal on the perimeter. His defense is also a work in progress, but the Mavs are confident it'll get a lot better. All in all, the Mavs feel fortunate and lucky that their PG fell to #4 in the draft to them, after falling in the draft lotto.
Without a doubt, the Mavs were targeting a PG in this draft. That being said, their prime targets were PG's 1a. Steve Francis and 1b. Baron Davis, with Andre Miller behind them. In terms of the talent level and potential, it looked unlikely that Francis nor Davis would be a Maverick after the draft being they had the #4 pick. Therefore, the Mavs started to focus their attention on SG Manu Ginobili and letting Rose work on his PG skills in the offseason.
After falling in the draft lotto, the Mavs were targeting G Manu Ginobili.
The Mavs had scouted both Davis and Francis extensively, knowing their basketball skills and life off the court. Manu was really an unknown to them. The Mavs GM had to fly all the way to Italy and watch Ginobili play for his club team, Viola Reggio Calabria. They noticed that he was a slasher who could shoot from any range on the court. He also possessed a nice amount of athleticism. Foreign players are known for their "softness". Ginobili was as scrappy as they come.
Manu can drive, shoot, and pass.
With their mind set on Ginobili, the Mavs were surprised with the way the draft was shaping up. SF Shawn Marion went #1, SF Andrei Kirilenko went #2, and PG Baron Davis went #3. The Mavs knew they were lucky because their #1 guy on their draft board was still available. Therefore, the Mavs selected Francis over Ginobili to be their PG for many years to come.
The Mavs selected Francis at #4.
The Mavs love Francis' skill set. For a PG, he's very athletic, having the ability to dunk with the best. They understand that most of his Inside scoring is dedicated to athleticism. His Outside game is definitely his weakness. He doesn't really possess a great form with his jumpshot and his 3PT range is very minimal. The Mavs will definitely work with Francis on that. His ball handling skills are amazing. Add that with his quickness makes him lethal on the perimeter. His defense is also a work in progress, but the Mavs are confident it'll get a lot better. All in all, the Mavs feel fortunate and lucky that their PG fell to #4 in the draft to them, after falling in the draft lotto.
The Mavs love Francis' ball handling, athleticism, and quickness.
