Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle talks on Villanova guard.

Rick Carlisle is optimistic about their second round pick Jalen Brunson’s role with the Dallas Mavericks, even after receiving guard Luka Doncic via trade from the Atlanta Hawks.

Carlisle said that Brunson has been doubted his entire career and has had to prove his doubters wrong time and time again. The draft was a microcosm of his of it.

Even though he was recognized by multiple news outlets as the player of the year (2018) and lead his team to its second NCAA title in the three years Brunson spent with the Wildcats, he was drafted 33rd overall. Three of his Villanova teammates where selected before him in this year’s draft.

The Mavericks’ roster is becoming younger and more athletic with each move they make, but now they have three extremely young guards, who are all proven players. Doncic is one of the more decorated international players to come to the NBA, Brunson is a two-time NCAA champion and Dennis Smith Jr. was electrifying in the NBA this year.

Then there are guards like J.J. Barea and, potentially, Yogi Ferrell who have been in the NBA and played with Dallas. The Mavericks will have a plethora of guards to choose from, deepening the combination choices for Carlisle; Carlisle said the addition of Brunson will push to make everyone better.

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