NBA Mock Draft: Dallas Mavericks take a huge gamble; A surprise riser emerges

Kobe Bufkin (Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports)
Kobe Bufkin (Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports)
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NBA Draft
NBA Draft prospect Julian Strawther (Michael Ciaglo-USA TODAY Sports)

29. Indiana Pacers (via Boston) – Julian Strawther, F, Gonzaga

When it comes to additional first-round picks, I generally like to see teams make some protection moves. That means adding depth in the event that they make a trade before the start of the season. With this pick, that’s exactly what the Indiana Pacers could end up doing by taking Julian Strawther.

He could be the replacement in the depth chart for Buddy Hield if the team ends up trading him at some point this season.

30. LA Clippers (via Milwaukee) – Trayce Jackson-Davis, F, Indiana

At this point, all signs point to the LA Clippers running it back with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. They will likely make an addition or two during the offseason. And with the No. 30 pick, one of those could be a highly productive prospect such as Trayce Jackson-Davis.

If Jackson-Davis can develop or prove any semblance of a possible jump shot, there’s a very real chance that he ends up being a first-round pick. Considering how productive he was during his senior season at Indiana, he probably should be one too.