2011 NBA Draft Results: Winner- Dallas Mavericks for a Savvy Trade

Rudy Fernandez, off to Dallas
Tom Hauck/Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks continued to stay hot on draft night after winning their first NBA Championship about two weeks ago.

The Mavs had one pick in the draft, the 26th overall, that yielded a pleasant surprise so far down—Texas forward Jordan Hamilton, who was projected as a borderline lottery talent.

The Mavs, with Shawn Marion and Caron Butler already in the fold, decided Hamilton was expendable and swung a three-team trade with his pick at the center. They traded Hamilton to the Portland Trail Blazers for Spanish sensation Rudy Fernandez, who, though inconsistent, has shown that he can contribute as a third or fourth guard.

Dallas might have been hedging with this pick in preparation of losing J.J. Barea in free agency. Fernandez isn’t really a point guard, but adds depth to the shooting guard or small forward position for an already deep squad.

This was a minor, but well-executed move to improve the Mavs. Trading a young guy with talent and holes for a guy who’s been in the league and has proven he can play is always the right move.

Stay tuned to Bleacher Report for all things related to the NBA Draft.

--Jason Heim

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