Mavericks select Nebraska’s Isaiah Roby with the 45th pick in the NBA Draft

Going into Thursday night’s NBA Draft, the Mavericks only had one pick - pick 37 in the second round. The pick was ultimately traded to the Pistons in exchange for pick 45 this year and future second round picks. As a result, Dallas finally got in on the action late in the second round by selecting Isaiah Roby, forward from Nebraska.

A 6’9 Junior, Roby was projected most often in the early second round. He’s a solid ball handler for his size, comfortable handling in transition or through traffic. The mechanics of his jump shot look sound, though his numbers haven’t backed that up (career 34 percent three point shooter in three seasons). Still, Roby projects to be a possible three-and-D forward who could switch through screens and body opposing forwards. Whether his lack of assertiveness on either end will work against him is still to be determined.

Roby could be a nice addition off the bench playing the power forward, though it may not cause anyone to jump out of their seat. He looks to be a high-IQ player, something Carlisle values. The possibility that his three point shot never develops should leave a question mark for the front office. That said, if he does improve, the Mavericks could use versatile forwards on next season’s squad.

Stay tuned for some more detailed analysis over the next few days.