Of course, the Dallas Mavericks nabbed likely Rookie of the Year Luka Doncic on a draft night trade with the Atlanta Hawks, but they also acquired a proven winner that night.

The Mavs drafted two-time NCAA national champion Jalen Brunson with their second-round pick, and the former Villanova standout is beginning to establish himself as a bona fide starter at the point guard position.

In his last four games, Brunson is averaging over 22 points, five assists and nearly five rebounds while shooting over 60 percent from the field, including a 34-point outburst against the Spurs.

Brunson has seen success since he was a standout at Stevenson High School, where he won the Gatorade Player of the Year in the state of Illinois. And in his junior season at Villanova, he was named the Naismith Player of the Year. Now, he is reaping the rewards of his hard work in the NBA.

The Mavericks are the second-worst team in the Western Conference, but with a promising core that includes Doncic and Brunson and promises the return of Kristaps Porzingis next season, they could achieve greater team success next year.

As for Brunson, he loves being with the organization. He spoke to Brad Townsend of SportsDay about his recent rise with the team:

“I'm just happy with the situation I'm in, with great guys. This locker room is filled with great people, and so the chemistry we have is pretty special. Obviously we wish we could be winning a little more, but I wouldn't rather be with anyone else.”

Brunson will look for a strong finish to the season to position himself as the team's starting point guard next year.