Sir Charles in Charge
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2018 NBA Mock Draft: Versatile bigs dominate the top 5

By Connor Harr

CHAPEL HILL, NC - FEBRUARY 08: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts after a play against the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Dean Smith Center on February 8, 2018 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - FEBRUARY 08: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts after a play against the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Dean Smith Center on February 8, 2018 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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LUBBOCK, TX – JANUARY 31: Mohamed Bamba #4 of the Texas Longhorns dunks the basketball during the game
LUBBOCK, TX – JANUARY 31: Mohamed Bamba #4 of the Texas Longhorns dunks the basketball during the game /

3. Dallas Mavericks: Mohamed Bamba, C, Texas

Big Board Rank: 4

The Dallas Mavericks have a clear-cut vision of what they want to do on offense, and they aren’t in any rush to rebuild their roster. Therefore, the Mavericks swing for the fences and draft Texas center Mo Bamba. The Mavericks offense is going to be built around a spread pick and roll, heavy isolation system for Dennis Smith, surrounding him with shooters.

It will take time for Bamba to develop, but once he adds more muscle he’s going to be a scary dive big man off a ball screen. He might even eventually develop into a pick and pop threat, with Bamba flashing an improved three point shot during conference play.

Most importantly the nearly 7-foot center with almost an 8-foot wingspan, Mohamed Bamba can provide quality rim protector minutes from day one. Bamba is averaging 4 blocks a game and will give a much-needed boost to a defense that is currently 23rd in opponents field goal percentage.