With the NBA Draft approaching Thursday, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's mock draft has both the Mavericks and Spurs getting talented players with their first-round picks.

At No. 9, the Mavericks may be in a position to take North Carolina state point guard Dennis Smith, one of the fastest and most athletic guards in the draft. He’s only 6-foot-2, but he plays bigger than that, with a quick first step and an impressive highlight reel despite playing just one year with the Wolfpack.

For the Spurs at No. 29, the AJC projects Ivan Rabb, a 6-11 power forward who averaged 14 points and 10.5 rebounds as a sophomore for California last season. A likely lottery pick after his freshman year, Rabb returned to Cal and didn’t progress as well as some scouts would like, leaving him as a likely late first-rounder now. However, many scouts like his frame, and he could have a lot of potential for the Spurs at No. 29.

The Rockets don’t have a first-round pick this season because they lost it to the Los Angeles Lakers in their February trade for Lou Williams. Their first pick doesn’t come until No. 43.

About the Author

Featured

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum, accompanied by Atlanta Fire Chief Roderick Smith, provided an update to the press during a media tour at the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center. They discussed the new Simulation Center, which will enable officers to train for various crime scenarios, including domestic disputes, commercial robberies, and kidnappings. Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024.
(Miguel Martinez / AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez/AJC