In recent weeks, the Dallas Mavericks have acquired both AJ Johnson and Tyler Smith. Less than two years ago, both players were welcomed to the NBA thanks to the Milwaukee Bucks. After falling out of favor quickly in Milwaukee, the two youngsters have been seeking a real opportunity, and they can do it together once again down in Dallas.
Mavericks have a pair of youngsters with potential
Both players took different pathways to Dallas. Johnson was acquired in the Anthony Davis trade at the deadline alongside Khris Middleton, just like when he was sent to Washington before that. Smith recently signed a two-way contract, beefing up Dallas' frontcourt. Both players just turned 21 years old, so they are still brimming with potential.
While neither player may see significant time down the stretch (Johnson is averaging 10.9 minutes per game since being traded to Dallas), they are two young players the Mavericks can look to build with long-term. Unlike when the Bucks selected both players, the Mavericks have the time to focus on the future while also building in the present.
It's a low-risk move for the team to look at a pair of discarded players who were selected in quality spots just a couple of years ago.
The Bucks' 2024 draft class always had question marks
In one of the team's most shocking moves of the decade, the Bucks selected AJ Johnson with their first-round pick in 2024. Early in the second round, they took Tyler Smith. Drafting two 19-year-olds always felt like an odd hand to play for a team that desperately needed help in the form of win-now contributors, and it didn't take long for the decision to come back and bite them.
Johnson, who averaged a measly 6.3 minutes per game in Milwaukee, didn't even make it through one season with the Bucks. He was dealt to Washington at the NBA Trade Deadline in the Kyle Kuzma deal. Smith made it through one season, at least, but he was cut in the offseason as the Bucks made it loud and clear how they felt about a player they just used a second-round pick on.
Neither pick panning out is among the reasons the Milwaukee Bucks are currently stuck in the spot they are in, though they have found young help through other avenues. If it weren't for success stories like Ryan Rollins, these draft picks would be criticized far more.
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