The Dallas Mavericks are turning to an Arizona alum to take over their franchise.
The Mavericks on Friday announced the hiring of Mike Schmitz as general manager ahead of next month’s NBA Draft. Schmitz spent the last four seasons on the Portland Trail Blazers staff after serving as a draft analyst for ESPN.
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Schmitz attended the University of Arizona from 2009-12, where he covered UA athletics for the Daily Wildcat. Schmitz’s Arizona basketball beat helped showcase his eye for identifying talent, according to a 2018 profile in the Daily Wildcat.
Schmitz worked for Yahoo Sports and Draft Express before joining ESPN. He worked for the Worldwide Leader for five years, then transitioned to a front office role in Portland. He most recently served as the Trail Blazers’ assistant GM.
“Mike is one of the most respected evaluators and basketball minds in the NBA,” said Dallas president Masai Ujiri. “He brings intelligence, discipline, humility and a relentless work ethic to everything he does.”
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Schmitz takes over a Mavericks franchise that a year ago won the NBA Draft Lottery, earning the rights to the No. 1 pick, which they used on Duke standout Cooper Flagg. Dallas went 26-56 this season and holds a 29% chance at receiving a top-four pick in this Sunday’s Draft Lottery.
Dallas is more likely to receive a mid-lottery pick, and some mock drafts have linked the Mavericks to Arizona guard Brayden Burries.
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