Michigan stars Moussa Diabate, Devante' Jones complete pre-draft workout with Dallas Mavericks
Former Michigan forward Moussa Diabate and point guard DeVante’ Jones completed workouts with the Dallas Mavericks this week ahead of the NBA Draft on June 23.
The Dallas Mavericks have the No. 26 overall pick in the first round of the draft. It is the team’s only selection after they sent their second-round pick to Washington in the deal for Kristaps Porzingis.
Earlier this week, Mavs general manager Nico Harrison shared that the team is willing to trade the pick, in the right situation.
“We’re listening to everything,” Harrison said. “Teams are calling. We’re going to call teams, and we’re listening to everything. I don’t think we are actively trying to trade our pick, but we are going to listen and if something makes sense and it helps make our team better, we are absolutely going to do it.”
Michigan stars opt to forgo eligibility for the 2022 NBA Draft
Wolverines freshman phenom Diabate played just one season, averaging 9.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.
Diabate tested well at the NBA Draft combine and had one solid scrimmage with 10 points and 11 rebounds. He seemed determined to give the pros a shot since earlier this year. He also made it clear in recent weeks he was serious.
“You can’t come in and think you’re just going to work through the workouts and people are just going to love you,” Diabate told the Big Ten Network. “You definitely have to show them that you want to be here and that you’re committed. That’s a big thing.
“Some teams probably see some players on the court or outside and they don’t think they’re really committed. I definitely think I’m the opposite of that.”
Jones averaged 10.3 points, 4.6 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game this season as a transfer from Coastal Carolina. He struggled to find his footing early in the season in the jump from the Sun Belt to Big Ten but emerged down the stretch as one of Michigan’s better players. His NCAA Tournament appearance with Michigan was his first as a college player.
Jones went through the NBA Draft process last year, working out with the Sacramento Kings and NBA G-League camp.