MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The early returns on the 2018 NBA draft class have been overwhelmingly positive.
Hardly a game goes by when the Mavericks don't run into a rookie who is on a rapid rise to prominence. And of course, they are thrilled with Luka Doncic.
On Monday, they got their first look at Jaren Jackson Jr., who was drafted fourth, one spot behind Doncic, by the Memphis Grizzlies, who halted the Mavericks' four-game winning streak 98-88 with some exceptional defense in the last five minutes at FedEx Forum.
In Phoenix, Deandre Ayton has restored hope to that franchise.