The past few seasons, the Mavericks have found themselves trapped in NBA roster purgatory. They have an aging core, no overwhelming up-and-coming talents to speak of, aren't bad enough to stockpile high draft picks, and have whiffed on most free agent targets.

That's left them to try and make progress consistently drafting in the 20s, and that's where they find themselves again this year, sitting at 21.

Take heart, though, Mavs fans. The latter half of the draft can produce franchise players all the like, albeit it's often as much about luck as it is about brilliant scouting and rigorous research. The Mavs' most obvious needs reside in the backcourt, particularly with the near certainty Rajon Rondo won't be re-signing in Dallas. Monta Ellis can also opt out of his deal (and most likely will) and J.J. Barea is a free agent.

In ESPN insider Chad Ford'slatest mock draft, he has the Mavs zeroed in on marksman R.J. Hunter from Georgia State, a player that has some size and potentially two-way versatility in the NBA. Rick Carlisle's system creates lots of space and lots of 3s, making Hunter a potentially ideal fit in the backcourt. Utah guard Delon Wright, Virginia guard Justin Anderson and UNLV combo guard Rashad Vaughn are also mentioned as possible targets.

Whoever it is for the Mavs, the the goal is simple: Draft a decent, cogent player. The organization doesn't have a strong recent draft history, choosing to try and complement Dirk Nowitzki with veterans. But eventually eras are going to have to change, and if the Mavs' unceremonious postseason exit to the Rockets is any indication, it's time to start considering how to transition. The Mavs need young talent, and while hitting that jackpot in the 20s is difficult, that doesn't make this pick any less important.