In the first slate of mock drafts to appear after the NBA draft lottery, one of the players most commonly linked to the Dallas Mavericks at No. 17 is UNC PG Kendall Marshall, who is the player SI's Sam Amick has Dallas taking:
He's no Deron Williams, but he might have to do for the Mavs. With Jason Kidd becoming a free agent and so much uncertainty at the position, Dallas could use the point guard who is considered the best passer in the bunch by far.
It would be fitting for Marshall to replace Kidd, considering how similar their games are.
Unfortunately for Mavericks fans, Marshall's game is a lot closer to Kidd at 37's than Kidd at 27's. He is a 6'4 point guard with an incredible feel for the game but lacks the speed to defend NBA PG's and isn't much of a threat to create his own shot.
In his sophomore season with the Tar Heels, Marshall averaged 8 points, 3 rebounds and 10 assists on 47% shooting.
A scouting report on Marshall I wrote for the NBA Draft Toolbox earlier in the season:
Kendall Marshall -- 6'4 sophomore point guard. Insertion into starting line-up changed dynamic of team last year. Incredible vision in the open-court and always plays with head up, but gaudy 10.2 assist to 2.7 turnover average this season is padded by so many NBA-caliber teammates. Doesn't have lateral quickness to get into the lane consistently or defend NBA point guards. Ability to stick at next level will depend on outside shot: career 35.6 percent three-point shooter but has slow, deliberate release.
For more on the Mavericks draft plans, stay tuned to the SB Nation Dallas storystream as well as Mavs Moneyball.