On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
The NBA playoffs are currently in what should shape up to be a competitive second round, as the final eight teams are competing for glory.
One NBA team that had expected to be in the mix way back when the season began was the Dallas Mavericks, who had fallen to the Boston Celtics in last year's NBA Finals.
Those hopes went down the drain when Dallas dealt away its franchise player and an NBA-caliber superstar in Luka Doncic.
One of the bright spots of the blockbuster trade that brought in veteran Anthony Davis was former Michigan State Spartan Max Christie, a young player who had been having a breakout season for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Christie was Michigan State's last one-and-done before Jase Richardson, and based on where the Mavericks could be slated in this summer's NBA Draft, there's a solid chance these two Spartans could be united.
Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman has Dallas picking Richardson with the No. 12 overall pick in his latest NBA mock draft.
"Scouts admired Jase Richardson's scoring efficiency and decision-making, which could help a team like the Mavericks see a more NBA-ready prospect," Wasserman wrote. "He managed to produce consistently on low usage, making open threes, picking the right spots to attack and finishing plays with advanced adjustments and instincts at the rim.
"But It also became clear that he offers more creativity than the numbers suggest. Richardson was one of the nation's most efficient ball-screen scorers whose self-creation shined more and more as his role increased."
The only issue with this is that Christie is an already proven guard who shares many of the same traits Richardson does. And Dallas' starting backcourt is set with Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson.
It doesn't really seem like there would be a fit for Richardson, at least one where he could make an immediate impact, which is what you expect from your lottery pick.
Regardless, with stars like Irving, Thompson and Davis, Dallas is a place you'd like to be if you want to win. Injuries plagued Irving and Davis, who had previously battled significant injuries in the past, which limited the group from reaching its potential, but a healthy Mavericks roster is one that, on paper, can compete with anyone.
More must-reads:
- Five potential landing spots for Christian Wilkins after stunning Raiders release
- Biggest impact of Josh Naylor trade may still be to come
- The 'Multiple 100-RBI MLB seasons' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
TODAY'S BEST
Shaquille O'Neal Is 'Still Worried' About the Lakers Despite Having LeBron James, Luka Doncic
Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal believes the Los Angeles Lakers have made major moves this offseason. But despite adding big names like Luka Doncic and Deandre Ayton alongside LeBron James, O’Neal says there’s still one big problem: shooting. In an exclusive interview with Casino Beats, O’Neal praised the Lakers’ revamped core but didn’t hold back on what he thinks they still lack. “They have a legitimate big now, got two premier players,” O’Neal said. “I’m still worried about the shooting. It’s a three-point league now.” The Lakers shook up the NBA back in February when they acquired Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks. The 26-year-old All-Star joined James, now 40, to form one of the league’s most talented duos. The front office followed that move by signing center Deandre Ayton and adding veteran guard Marcus Smart in free agency. But even with those additions, O’Neal says the Lakers need more than just average shooters. “Not guys that can shoot, (I’m talking about) bonafide shooters,” he explained. “Guys that are guaranteed, like JJ Redick. He was a bonafide shooter.” Last season, the Lakers finished middle of the pack in three-point shooting, ranking 15th in total makes and 14th in percentage. Their lack of consistent outside threats was exposed during a first-round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. O’Neal, who won three straight NBA titles with the Lakers, said the team has addressed its size and star power but warned that shooting could make or break their playoff run. Still, he expects the team to perform better in the upcoming season and make a push for homecourt advantage. “You got two premier players. You got a big guy that can do certain things,” O’Neal said. “Those three players should be able to get you to one through four. If they don’t have home court advantage, I’ll be very disappointed.” For O’Neal, the path forward is clear. The Lakers have the pieces, but to win in today’s NBA, “bonafide shooters” aren’t optional. They’re essential.
New York Giants QB Russell Wilson had dinner with a free agent during his visit with the team, and it seems to have been a hit
Among multiple big moves this offseason, the New York Giants decided to sign 10-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson to be their starting QB in 2025. Although Wilson has undoubtedly taken a step back over the past couple of years, for the Giants, this looks like a significant upgrade compared to what they endured at quarterback for most of last season. In addition to his on-field play, Wilson's successful career lends a status that seems like a perfect fit for the New York market. It didn't take long for the Giants to put that status to work, either, with Wilson taking part in a free agent WR's visit with the team earlier this offseason. Russell Wilson joined in on WR Gabe Davis' free agent visit with the Giants Former Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars WR Gabe Davis had a free agency visit with the Giants earlier this offseason, back in May. His experience playing under now Giants head coach Brian Daboll, when he was his offensive coordinator with the Bills, led many to believe that this pairing could make a lot of sense for both sides. Months have gone by, and many are still wondering if the Giant will choose to sign the deep threat WR. Davis recently appeared on the "Up and Adams" show hosted by Kay Adams. He spoke about his visit with the Giants and how it was pretty awesome to have dinner with Wilson, along with other team personnel. Davis shared that he believes Wilson is "a legend" and that they had "a good dinner, a good night for sure." Adams then brought up how much she liked the idea of Wilson and Davis connecting on a deep ball, which led Davis to share his thoughts on the pairing, "Yeah, that's me and Russ' game for sure, a deep ball threat, and Russ knows how to sling it downfield. It's something I've looked into for sure."
Cowboys quarterback seemingly takes a shot at his former team
Joe Milton III is experiencing training camp with his second NFL team in as many seasons, and the young quarterback says he has already noticed some significant differences. Milton was traded from the New England Patriots to the Dallas Cowboys this offseason in a somewhat surprising move. At practice on Thursday, the former Tennessee quarterback told reporters he has been surprised by how much mentoring he has received from Dak Prescott. Milton then seemed to take a swipe at his former team. "Dak is a great leader. … All respect to him. He literally goes out of his way to help me," Milton said. "I’ve been in another building. I know how that goes. It’s just very different over here.” Milton played behind fellow rookie Drake Maye in New England last season. He could not have expected the No. 3 overall pick to mentor him, so it is possible he was taking a shot at Jacoby Brissett, who was also on the Patriots' roster last year. Either way, it seems clear that Milton is having a better time in Dallas than he did last year. Milton gave a funnier reason for being happy about his trade to the Cowboys earlier this offseason.
'The measurables are there' Vikings DC Brian Flores praises promising UDFA with a profile that can translate to on-field success
The Minnesota Vikings have made a living of finding UDFAs who make the roster. Since general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah took the job going into the 2022 offseason, the Vikings have kept eight UDFAs on the initial 53-man roster and this year looks to be no different. There are quite a few different UDFAs who have a chance to make the roster, especially on defense, but one has gotten a lot more attention than others across the board: Utah CB Zemaiah Vaughn. Zemaiah Vaughn has Brian Flores' attention Before the second training camp practice, defensive coordinator Brian Flores spoke with the media and was specifically asked about Vaughn and what excited him about the tall, lanky cornerback out of Utah. "Size. Obviously, you guys walk on the field and see a guy with six two long arms a corner can run. So, the measurables are there. We brought him in on a (top) 30 (visit). He was really very good, just from a mental standpoint, acumen standpoint, he works hard. You put all those things together, and it's something that you're excited to work with any work. He works at it, and really, just as a general message to our guys, it's really four things: be on time. That's number one. And then, you know, work hard in every area, whether it's in the weight room or, obviously, on the field, in the meeting rooms and walk throughs. "So work hard, be unselfish. Because, this is a game where there's 11 guys on the field and everybody relies on somebody else to do their job, for them to do their job, for us to be efficient as a defense. And the last thing I ask is for those guys to have fun. And that's the message that I gave to the team. I think specific to Zemaiah, and to any young player, if you can do those four things, then you put yourself in the best position and that's what we're trying to do with each one of these guys." Vaughn is a very intriguing player, especially for a defense that plays a lot of cover-3 like the Vikings do. He's got excellent straight-line speed and linear explosiveness to click-and-close on the football. That ability is very important to Flores' defense, and when you add in the 32" arms on the 6-2.5 frame. Yes, he only weighs 186 lbs, but the length and explosiveness is legit. Being a UDFA doesn't mean anything when it comes to making the roster, but hearing these words from Flores is a great start.
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
