The NBA draft brings more paint presence to the Southwest Division with a plethora of big men

The NBA draft is set to increase “paint” power in the Southwest Division, with several new big men joining established frontcourts. On Tuesday night, Memphis selected Duke forward Cameron Boozer with the No. 3 pick and later added forward Karim Lopez of Mexico at No. 21. The Dallas Mavericks used the ninth overall pick on Michigan’s Morez Johnson Jr. and acquired Spain guard Sergio De Larrea in a trade, then took England’s Tobi Lawal in the second round. San Antonio drafted Kentucky forward/center Jayden Quaintance at No. 20 and traded for UConn center Tarris Reed Jr. at No. 26. Boozer averaged 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds at Michigan. The Rockets waited until No. 53 for Virginia center Ugonna Onyenso, while New Orleans took Jeron Pierre Jr. at No. 58 after winning 26 games last season.