Dallas Mavericks Draft Options Involve Big Men and Defenders

Celebrations don't last too long in the world of sports.

Now that the Dallas Mavericks have had 10 days to bask in the franchise's first NBA title, management has to try to reload the roster in order to make a run at repeating as champions.

Six members of the squad are free agents this offseason, so depending on who the Mavs' manage to resign they're priorities in the draft will shift.

Tyson Chandler, Caron Butler, J.J. Barea, DeShawn Stevenson, Peja Stojakovic, and Brian Cardinal can all test their value on the open market.

Of the six, Mavs' owner Mark Cuban will probably dip into his deep pockets to re-sign Cardinal, Butler, Barea, and most importantly Chandler.

Drafting at number 26, the Mavericks will probably try to get the best talent still available on the board, but if they lose one or more of their key free agents they may have to draft for need.

Here's a look at some players that might be available to the Mavericks at number 26:

Nikola Vucevic PF/C, USC:

The 6'10 big man has a rather polished offensive game. He can finish with both hands around the rim, shoot the jumper out to about 22 feet, and shoots a high percentage from the free throw line. He's also a decent rebounder, but he won't have a real impact on defense which will be a major problem if Chandler signs with another team.

Nikola Mirotic SF/PF, International:

The 6'10 combo forward had a solid year playing for Real Madrid in the ACB and Euroleague. His shooting touch both inside and outside the arc has NBA scouts excited about his potential as a stretch power forward. He would be a fine student to Dirk Nowitzki, probably the best perimeter-shooting European big men in NBA history.

Jimmy Butler SF, Marquette:

The Dallas Mavericks won the championship on the strength of their defense and Butler has the potential to become an excellent defender. While he's more likely to be drafted in the second round, the Mavs may reach a bit because he's the type of defender who could fill the gap left by the possible departures of Stevenson and Butler, as well as a character guy who would fit well in the locker room.

In the second round the Mavericks are going to draft the most talented player left, but it would be ideal for them to get a shooting guard or combo guard who plays good defense and can shoot from outside.