Re-Grading the Mavericks' Last 5 First-Round Picks

3. Maurice Ager, SF/SG (2006 R1, P28): F

Before drafting Dennis Smith Jr., the last time the Mavericks had drafted and kept a player in the first round was when they took Maurice Ager 28th overall way back in 2006.

Despite having a solid Big Ten collegiate career, it became quickly apparent that Ager wasn't NBA-ready. The ex-Michigan State Spartan was largely invisible as a rookie, averaging 2.2 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.2 assists in 32 games with the Mavericks. He only attempted 2.2 field goals per game and failed to make the most of his limited opportunities, shooting 31.4% from the floor and 33.3% from deep.

Like Smith, Ager's time with the Mavs was short-lived. He only suited up in 12 games as a sophomore before Dallas shipped him off to the then-Brooklyn Nets in a massive blockbuster that involved seven total players, two first-round draft picks, and $3 million.

The change in scenery didn't help Ager, who ended up playing just 24 more games following the 2007-08 season. After hanging up his shoes in 2011, the Detroit, MI native has spent time running basketball camps and schools in Asia with a focus on China and Vietnam.

While it's nice to see that he's found a purpose in his post-playing career, it doesn't change the fact that Ager is a first-round bust. It's never a good thing when a pick plays the third-fewest games of any first-round selection in his draft class, meaning Ager is more than deserving of the F grade.