The Dallas Mavericks have had their fair share of "what if" moments since the 2025 trade deadline, and Mark Cuban, the former majority owner, has a couple of draft-day decisions he'd love to revisit. While trading Luka Doncic still stings, Cuban reflects on missed opportunities in the NBA Draft, particularly eyeing Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2013 and Tyrese Maxey in 2020.
Cuban’s Draft Day Reflections
The Mavericks have been known for fostering a strong culture, with legends like Dirk Nowitzki securing one of the toughest championships in NBA history before retiring with the team. Luka Doncic also thrived with the Mavs until his trade to the Lakers. Cuban's vision was to build around such stars, but he admits that better draft decisions could have changed the franchise's trajectory.
"Tyrese Maxey was a big miss for us recently. Greek Freak was probably the biggest," Cuban said on The Adam Friedland Show.
Back in the 2013 NBA Draft, the Mavs held the 13th pick and chose Kelly Olynyk from Gonzaga. Olynyk, though a solid NBA player, never suited up for Dallas as he was quickly traded to the Celtics. Just two picks later, the Bucks snagged Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has since become a two-time MVP, a Defensive Player of the Year, and led Milwaukee to a championship in 2021.
Fast forward to the 2020 NBA Draft, the Mavs had the 18th pick and went with Josh Green from Arizona. Three picks later, the Sixers selected Tyrese Maxey.
Green contributed to the Mavs' run to the 2024 NBA Finals before moving to the Charlotte Hornets. Meanwhile, Maxey has blossomed into a star, earning two All-Star nods and the Most Improved Player award in 2024, although postseason success has eluded him so far.
Cuban's tenure with the Mavericks was marked by many pivotal decisions. While he steps aside to let the new majority owners steer the ship, his reflections on past drafts highlight the fine margins that can define a franchise's fortunes.