Arizona guard Brayden Burries (5) dribbles during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament against Purdue, Saturday, March 28, 2026, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Godofredo A. Vásquez/AP
There is less than a week until the 2026 NBA draft, and the Mavericks still don’t have a coach, but they’ve hosted plenty of prospects in Dallas ahead of one of the most pivotal events of the offseason.
Masai Ujiri and Mike Schmitz will enter their first draft together with three picks at their disposal, none more important their No. 9 selection. Here’s our final mock draft of the offseason:
1. Washington Wizards
AJ Dybantsa, freshman forward, BYU
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Cooper Flagg was the consensus No. 1 pick last year. It’s not as clear in this cycle, with Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson vying to become the first name called by commissioner Adam Silver. The Wizards would benefit from Dybantsa’s elite scoring ability and superstar potential, since he has the size, athleticism and speed to get to his spots at will. He’d be a immediate complement to Trae Young, and perhaps Anthony Davis if he remains a part of Washington’s long-term plans.
FILE – BYU forward AJ Dybantsa celebrates his three-pointer in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Baylor Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File)
Tony Gutierrez/AP
2. Utah Jazz
Darryn Peterson, freshman guard, Kansas
Recent reports suggest Peterson plans to work out solely for the Wizards with the expectation that he’s going to be the No. 1 pick. However, in this scenario Washington selected Dybantsa and Utah must choose the best available player, who also happens to be the best positional fit. Peterson fills a void in the backcourt and can play either guard position next to Lewisville native Keyonte George. He thrived away from the ball at Kansas and proved to be an elite scorer, but he desires to play the point at the next level. He could be the missing piece for the Jazz to enter an era of competitiveness.
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3. Memphis Grizzlies
Cameron Boozer, freshman forward/center, Duke
Our first mock draft had Memphis going away from the projections to select Caleb Wilson with the third pick. This time around, Boozer is the choice for a team looking to rebuild with youth. The 6-8 forward could be the start of a new core in Grind City, and a formidable young frontcourt pairing with 7-foot big man Zach Edey. Boozer would be able to fit on any roster because of his fundamental talent and ability to score in the post.
4. Chicago Bulls
Caleb Wilson, freshman forward/center, North Carolina
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Wilson is perhaps the most athletic player in this class, which could bring a new wave of excitement to the Windy City. His arrival would align with the new direction the Bulls are headed with Bryson Graham as vice president of basketball operations and Tiago Splitter as the team’s new head coach. He has tremendous upside, especially if he’s able to develop a consistent jumper at the next level.
5. LA Clippers
Keaton Wagler, freshman guard, Illinois
The draft gets even more interesting here. The Clippers still have Kawhi Leonard on their roster, which means there’s still a chance for them to compete in the Western Conference, but this pick could be the tool for them to do so sooner rather than later. If they choose to keep the pick, then Wagler would be able to play alongside Darius Garland because of his versatility and shooting touch.
6. Brooklyn Nets
Darius Acuff Jr., freshman guard, Arkansas
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The Nets are in need of a star after failing to find that caliber of a player in their five first-round picks from a year ago. If Acuff is on the board by the time Brooklyn is on the clock, there’s a good case he’d be the starting point guard on day one because of his phenomenal scoring prowess.
7. Sacramento Kings
Mikel Brown Jr., freshman guard, Louisville
The Mavericks won’t have the benefit of selecting Brown in this edition of our mock draft. Instead, he’s taken two spots earlier by the Kings, who desperately need a point guard of the future. Brown has reportedly had a positive predraft experience and appears unhindered by the back injury that plagued the end of his freshman year with the Cardinals.
8. Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans)
Kingston Flemings, freshman guard, Houston
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The Hawks have two areas of need here. They could go after a guard, or they could pursue a center. This mock draft projects Flemings to Atlanta. His explosiveness and quickness could be a perfect match next to Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
9. Dallas Mavericks
Brayden Burries, freshman guard, Arizona
With Brown unavailable, the Mavericks could resort to a combo-guard who could be a nice fit next to Flagg. Burries fits the bill here, especially since he appears to be angling his way toward Dallas as multiple reports suggest. The freshman guard hasn’t taken many predraft workouts, but he met with the Mavericks at the combine and appeared intrigued by the possibility.
“I feel like I’d fit right in…I can play on ball, off the ball and do anything to impact the game of winning.”
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As long as the Mavericks keep this selection and Burries is still on the board, the possibility is there.
Arizona guard Brayden Burries (5) shoots against Michigan during the second half of an NCAA college basketball tournament semifinal game at the Final Four, Saturday, April 4, 2026, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
AJ Mast/AP
10. Milwaukee Bucks
Nate Ament, freshman forward, Tennessee
With Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee likely reaching a resolution by early next week, it’s possible the Bucks could be in the market for a talented young wing. Ament checks the boxes with his size and skill. His handles are elite for his size and he possesses a solid jumpshot.
11. Golden State Warriors
Aday Mara, junior center, Michigan
The Warriors haven’t had a dominant center in the Stephen Curry era, but Mara is the best big man prospect in the draft. He can make accurate reads, finish at the basket with either hand and has elite defensive skills. He doesn’t spread the floor with 3-point shooting, but that’s what Curry does best.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LA Clippers)
Yaxel Lendeborg, senior forward, Michigan
The Thunder couldn’t repeat as champions this season thanks to the emergence of Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. Oklahoma City could choose to trade either of its two first rounders, but if not, then Lendeborg could seamlessly fit into a roster surrounded by depth. He could find himself getting immediate playing time depending on what the Thunder choose to do with potential free agents Lu Dort, Isaiah Hartenstein and Kenrich Williams.
13. Miami Heat
Labaron Philon Jr., sophomore guard, Alabama
The Heat are expected to be a major player in the sweepstakes for Antetokounmpo, and if a trade materializes before the draft, then it’s highly likely Tyler Herro will no longer be on the roster. Miami could always use more firepower to give Bam Adebayo a lift in the scoring department. Philon can score the basketball at will and can generate points like most of the other top guards.
14. Charlotte Hornets
Morez Johnson Jr., sophomore forward, Michigan
Michigan could have three players get drafted in the back end of the lottery, and in this case, three of the last four picks. Not bad for a national championship team, right? In this scenario, the Hornets use their first of two first-rounders on Johnson, who has the ability to finish plays inside the paint and can be a disrupter on the defensive end. That would be a great addition to a Hornets team that already has a potent offense.
15. Bulls (via Portland)
Cameron Carr, sophomore guard, Baylor
The former Baylor guard impressed those in attendance at last month’s combine because of his ability to score in transition and knock down 3s off the dribble. Chicago could use a scorer with that type of potential and after taking Wilson with its first pick, Carr could be a smart choice because of his ability to fit seamlessly with any team.
16. Grizzlies (via Phoenix)
Christian Anderson Jr., sophomore guard, Texas Tech
The Grizzlies are back on the clock with a need to pair Boozer with a lead guard, especially since Ja Morant’s future in Memphis is unclear. Anderson, who’s projected to be a top-20 pick, has interest from several teams in the lottery, including the Mavericks. He’s undersized at 6-1, but he’s a big-time shooter who can also make plays for teammates.
Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson (4) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Arizona State, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Rick Scuteri/AP
17. Thunder (via Philadelphia)
Jayden Quaintance, sophomore forward, Kentucky
The Thunder could be in the market for a new big, depending on what happens with Hartenstein, and Quaintance could be a good option here. He has great defensive potential and could be the best defender in this class, which would help the Thunder alleviate their Wembanyama issue.
18. Hornets (via Orlando)
Hannes Steinbach, freshman forward/center, Washington
The Hornets could always use an additional shot blocker, and Steinbach is one of the best rim protectors in this draft. He commanded the glass with 11.2 rebounds per game and also showed promise as a floor spacer, making 34% of his triples this season.
19. Toronto Raptors
Karim Lopez, forward, New Zealand Breakers (Mexico)
The first international player off the board is Lopez, who’s been touted as the best basketball prospect to hail from Mexico. He’s a talented young wing who could be a long term fit next to Scottie Barnes because of his ability to defend several positions. He’s a streaky shooter, but he can handle the ball well for his size. He’s coming off a productive year in the NBL, but his combine measurements project a forward with versatility on both ends of the floor.
20. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta)
Allen Graves, freshman forward, Santa Clara
The Spurs will go back to the drawing board after reaching the NBA Finals in Wembanyama’s third season. While it’s completely possible that San Antonio could rely on internal development to get better, they could add reinforcements with the addition of a player who has the ability to play power forward. Graves has great feel for the game and could be a promising project to pair alongside second-year wing Carter Bryant.
21. Detroit Pistons (via Minnesota)
Bennett Stirtz, senior guard, Iowa
The Pistons had two seven-game series in the postseason which showed their glaring deficiency is the lack of a secondary scorer. Stirtz checks the box when it comes to scoring, and his playmaking could help alleviate the pressure Arlington native Cade Cunningham feels on a nightly basis.
22. Philadelphia 76ers (via Houston)
Koa Peat, freshman forward, Arizona
Philadelphia is sure to do some soul searching after its second-round sweep to the newly-crowned champions in New York. Peat has the athleticism and physicality to thrive in a lineup next to Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. His ability to play the power forward could also work in the 76ers’ favor, since Paul George plays mostly on the perimeter these days.
Arizona forward Koa Peat reacts as he dunks the ball for a basket against Colorado in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, March 7, 2026, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
David Zalubowski/AP
23. Hawks (via Cleveland)
Henri Veesaar, junior center, North Carolina
The Hawks selected their point guard earlier in the draft, so they’ll go big with this pick. Veesaar made 42.6% of his triples last season, which makes him an attractive prospect late in the first round.
24. New York Knicks
Amari Allen, freshman forward, Alabama
The Knicks are in a position to choose whomever they feel would be the best fit for their championship team. Allen would be a viable option to make an impact because of his versatile skillset. He’s a solid ballhandler, facilitator and shooter, which makes him a Swiss Army knife at the forward position.
25. Los Angeles Lakers
Chris Cenac Jr., freshman center, Houston
For the Lakers to successfully build around Luka Doncic, they need a big man who is physically equipped to catch lobs. Cenac is highly athletic, even though he isn’t the lob threat-rim protector archetype that Doncic grew accustomed to playing with in Dallas. He can knock down midrange jumpers, which creates a different dynamic the Lakers could use in their offense.
26. Denver Nuggets
Ebuka Okorie, freshman guard, Stanford
The Nuggets need more diversity in their offense, especially as Nikola Jokic grows older. He has the ability to initiate their offense on a nightly basis, but it would be beneficial to add a player like Okorie, who is known as one of the fastest guards in the class. He had an ACC leading eight 30-point games, production that could very well translate to the NBA.
27. Boston Celtics
Meleek Thomas, freshman guard, Arkansas
This sharpshooter could serve the Celtics well, especially since he opted to stay in the draft rather than remain in college. He has good size, and his scoring ability would be an upgrade for Boston’s backcourt.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Detroit)
Isaiah Evans, sophomore guard, Duke
Evans would give the Timberwolves a great option to space the floor because he can provide perimeter shooting, which Minnesota needs next to a dynamic centerpiece like Anthony Edwards.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers
Taris Reed Jr., senior forward/center, UConn
Reed helped lead the Huskies to the national championship game with his dominant scoring presence inside the paint and command of the glass. His ability to rebound would serve the Cavaliers well, especially since he could be the first big man off the bench.
30. Mavericks (via Oklahoma City)
Joshua Jefferson, senior forward, Iowa State
It’s widely known that Ujiri is a big fan of versatile forwards. Jefferson has a high basketball IQ and could use his two-way ability to disrupt opposing players on defense, while using his quick decision-making to help Flagg on offense.
Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson (5) is fouled by Arizona State guard Bryce Ford, left, while driving to the basket during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, March 7, 2026, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Charlie Neibergall/AP
48. Mavericks
Aaron Nkrumah, senior guard, Tennessee State
If Dallas winds up with a player who can defend, play fast and knock down 3s at this position, it’ll be considered a win across the board. Nkrumah finished second in the nation in steals and could become a formidable knockdown shooter at the next level.