Mavericks Select AJ Hammons
Dallas got a steal tonight. AJ Hammons was a lottery type talent, but had some problems that led to his decline in the draft.
In his senior year at Purdue University, Hammons put up 15 points per game, grabbed 8.2 rebounds, and swatted 2.5 shots per game. At 7 foot, 280 pounds, Hammons will easily be able to bang with NBA centers right away. Hammons has a strong back to the basket game, but isn't afraid to face up and throw it down someone's throat either. He's very mobile for his size and isn't afraid to mix it up down low on either the offensive, or defensive end. Being so big, his conditioning has been an issue in the past, but nothing too scary. When he gets the ball in the post, Hammons isn't the most aware passer. He's had some off the court issues and his maturity has been questioned, but Rick Carlisle can work that out of him real quick.
Hammons will get his first professional run with the Mavs summer league team come July. As a rookie in Carlisle's system, Hammons could spend a lot of time between the Mavs and the Legends D-League team. I'm very excited about this pick. It may be a risk, but it can definitely pay off. One thing this pick does immediately is allow the Mavericks to have some assurance at the center depth in case they swing and miss on a big name guy, like Hassan Whiteside. Hammons may end up being more talented than current second string center, Salah Mejri. Great pick Donnie and Cubes. You've gotten it right two years straight.
Welcome to Dallas AJ Hammons! We're very excited to see what you do in that Dallas Jersey
