NBA Draft 2010: Mavs Make Move for South Florida Guard
Dominique Jones
None of us expected the Mavs to make any noise in Thursday night’s NBA draft. Not with holding only a 5oth overall pick they wouldn’t. But during the draft watch party held for media and minutes before the Memphis Grizzlies made their pick at 25, word was seeping from the Mavs’ draft room that a move would likely be made to get the right to the player selected.
The Grizzlies took South Florida Guard, Dominique Jones, and then it was official minutes later. With owner Mark Cuban’s cash, Mavs General Manager and President Donnie Nelson decided to step their game up for Jones at a cool $3 million dollar price.
He may not be big in name, but Jones made a lot of noise as a junior at South Florida. The 6-5 guard at about 216 pounds averaged 21.4 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists in arguably the toughest, most physical conference in college hoops.
And with those stats alone, the Mavs were intrigue. Not just because of his size that could make him a physical presence, and a guard who can post up smaller ones, but also one who can score. Head coach Rick Carlisle said he was impressed by his ability, and most of all, by his “humble” attitude.
The Mavs are on a mission to get some more scoring and youth. Their stars like Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd and Jason Terry? They ain’t getting any younger, you know.
After landing Jones, there was no need for the Mavs to do anything else but trade that 50th pick to the Toronto Raptors, in exchange for cash considerations and a second round pick in 2013.
© 2010 The Sports Diva