It’s difficult to remember, but there was a time when the Dallas Mavericks were a perennial doormat, so much so they were the default punching bag on NBA Jam. So pardon if I had a nostalgia seizure while doing NBA Draft research and realized that the Mavs could again be the worst team in the league and that Josh Jackson would likely be the No. 1 pick. Just seeing the named “Jackson” next to “Mavericks” brought back some video game memories, as poor Jim Jackson and Derek Harper were Sega’s sacrificial basketball lambs. Getting to the mock, though, don’t be surprised if Kentucky’s De’Aaron Fox climbs up other mocks soon given Kentucky’sascension in the college basketball rankings. He’ll garner more and more attention nationally the longer the Wildcats remain undefeated. Seems like a logical choice already for the point guard-deprived Sixers at No. 2. 1. Dallas Mavericks: Josh Jackson, SG, Kansas
2. Philadelphia 76ers: De’Aaron Fox, PG, Kentucky
3. Boston Celtics: Jayson Tatum, SF, Duke
4. Phoenix Suns: Markelle Fultz, PG, Washington
5. Miami Heat: Jonathan Isaac, SF, Florida State
6. Minnesota Timberwolves: Bam Adebayo, PF, Kentucky
7. New Orleans Pelicans: Lonzo Ball, PG, UCLA
8. Washington Wizards: Dennis Smith, PG, NC State
9. Orlando Magic: Harry Giles, PF, Duke
10. Sacramento Kings: Ivan Rabb, PF, California
11. Denver Nuggets: Lauri Markkanen, PF, Arizona
12. Detroit Pistons: Malik Monk, SG, Kentucky
13. Milwaukee Bucks: Tyler Lydon, PF, Syracuse
14. Portland Trail Blazers: Frank Ntilikina, PG, France
15. Indiana Pacers: Robert Williams, PF, Texas A&M
16. New York Knicks: Jaron Blossomgame, SF, Clemson
17. Philadelphia 76ers: Melo Trimble, PG, Maryland
18. Utah Jazz: Edmond Summer, SG, Xavier
19. Oklahoma City Thunder: Isaiah Hartenstein, PF, Germany
20. Charlotte Bobcats: Dwayne Bacon, SG, Florida State
21. Brooklyn Nets: Grayson Allen, SG, Duke
22. Atlanta Hawks: Marques Bolden, C, Duke
23. Chicago Bulls: Johnathan Motley, PF, Baylor
24. Toronto Raptors: Kostja Mushidi, SG, Germany
25. Denver Nuggets: Frank Jackson, PG, Duke
26. Houston Rockets: DJ Hogg, SF, Texas A&M
27. Toronto Raptors: EC Matthews, SG, Rhode Island
28. San Antonio Spurs: Miles Bridges, SF, Michigan State
29. Cleveland Cavaliers: Rawle Tlkins, SG, Arizona
30. Utah Jazz: VJ Beachem, SF, Notre Dame