The Dallas Mavericks hit the jackpot by trading for Luka Doncic on the night of the 2018 NBA Draft.
While that decision turned out to be a blessing for the Mavericks, the organization has also missed on some key players during the NBA Draft.
A perfect example of this is the Mavericks using their 18th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft to acquire Josh Green rather than the likes of Tyrese Maxey and Desmond Bane, who were still available to be selected.
While the Mavericks never had Maxey on their radar, the franchise was in talks to draft Bane.
Bane recently shared his thoughts on the Mavericks selecting Green over him via Legion Hoops on Twitter.
“They were supposed to take me. The PA guy came up and apologized. He said he thinks about it every day,” Bane said.
Desmond Bane on the Mavericks passing on him in the draft:
“They were supposed to take me. The PA guy came up and apologized. He said he thinks about it every day. That’s exactly what I want them to be thinking about.”
(via @DrewHill_DM) pic.twitter.com/857YxN8c3b
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 10, 2024
Bane didn’t hide the fact that the Mavericks were supposed to take him in the draft but ultimately decided to go with Josh Green.
Green may have played 192 games for the Mavericks since being drafted, but he has averaged just 5.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game for the team.
On the other hand, Bane has been a part of 238 games for the Grizzlies over four seasons and has averaged a solid 17.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game in his career.
Moreover, Bane has undoubtedly taken the leap this season as he is having a career year, averaging 24.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game for the Grizzlies.
Bane helped the Grizzlies register a solid 120-103 win over the Mavericks in the 2023-24 NBA season.
The star guard finished the game with a team-high 32 points for the Memphis Grizzlies.
NEXT: Ja Morant Has 2-Word Reaction To His Season-Ending Injury