From L to R: Arizona guard Brayden Burries, Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. and Houston guard Kingston Flemings. All photos by The Associated Press.
SportsDay staff
There’s less than a month until what will be a pivotal NBA draft for the Dallas Mavericks.
Their new front office, led by Masai Ujiri and Mike Schmitz, will enter the annual two-round event with three picks, none more important than No. 9. Here’s our first first-round mock draft, with a bonus pick for the Mavericks’ No. 48 selection in the second round:
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BYU forward AJ Dybantsa dunks in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Baylor Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, in Waco, Texas.
Tony Gutierrez/AP
1. Washington Wizards
AJ Dybantsa, freshman forward, BYU
The Wizards are in need of a young star, someone who will be able to shoulder the load of the franchise long after Trae Young and Anthony Davis have moved on. Dybantsa has superstar potential with his size, athleticism and elite scoring ability.
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2. Utah Jazz
Darryn Peterson, freshman guard, Kansas
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Utah has the chance to pair Lewisville native Keyonte George with a dynamic backcourt mate in this draft, especially since it is well-positioned in the frontcourt with Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Walker Kessler. Peterson has the capability of playing both guard spots, but his desire to play point guard in the NBA would make a natural fit in Salt Lake City since George thrives away from the ball.
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3. Memphis Grizzlies
Caleb Wilson, freshman forward/center, North Carolina
The first unexpected wave of movement happens here. The Grizzlies are in need of a new face of the franchise with a potential Ja Morant departure looming, and Wilson has the potential to become a star in this league because of his athleticism and promising measurements. His addition gives Memphis a dominant frontcourt pairing with 7-foot big man Zach Edey.
4. Chicago Bulls
Cameron Boozer, freshman forward/center, Duke
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Chicago has the easy choice of selecting whomever remains from the projected Big 4. In this scenario, it’s Boozer, who has a chance to follow in his father’s footsteps and play for the Bulls, just as Carlos Boozer did. His fit as natural power forward gives whoever Chicago hires as its next coach optionality with lineups, given his elite production and intangibles.
5. LA Clippers
Keaton Wagler, freshman guard, Illinois
This draft is full of elite guards and the Clippers will have the first opportunity to select from a batch of the top guards not named Peterson. With Darius Garland established as the Clippers’ point guard, LA needs a player who can complement his offensive skillsets. Wagler could one day become LA’s point guard of the future, but playing alongside and behind Garland could alleviate some of the day one pressure that comes with being a top-five pick.
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6. Brooklyn Nets
Darius Acuff, freshman guard, Arkansas
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 that he’d be the starting point guard on day one because of his phenomenal scoring prowess.
7. Sacramento Kings
Kingston Flemings, freshman guard, Houston
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Like most other teams in this range of picks Nos. 5-9, the Kings are in desperate need of a point guard. Flemings delivered strong performances in the shooting and agility drills during the NBA draft combine, not to mention an impressive showing of personality during his media availability.
8. Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans)
Aday Mara, freshman center, Michigan
The Hawks have a decision to make. Do they want to go after their point guard of the future after parting ways with Trae Young? Or do they want to fulfill their need at the center position? Since Nikiel Alexander Walker and CJ McCollum proved formidable in the backcourt last season, Atlanta goes big and selects perhaps the best big man in the lottery with the 7-3 Mara.
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Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. (0) shoots after getting past SMU forward Corey Washington (3) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Dallas, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
Tony Gutierrez/AP
9. Dallas Mavericks
Mikel Brown Jr., freshman guard, Louisville
The Mavericks front office of Masai Ujiri and Mike Schmitz will enter their first draft with three picks, with No. 9 being the most important. They prioritize backcourt depth with the selection of Brown, who fulfills their secondary scoring needs. As long as he’s healthy, Brown could be the perfect long-term fit for Cooper Flagg.
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Related: Tim Cowlishaw’s humble guidance for Mavericks with NBA draft’s No. 9 pick
10. Milwaukee Bucks
Nate Ament, freshman forward, Tennessee
With the uncertain future of Giannis Antetokounmpo clouding the Bucks’ offseason, it’s possible they could be 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.
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11. Golden State Warriors
Brayden Burries, freshman guard, Arizona
Burries could be the two-way force the Warriors need to pair alongside Stephen Curry, especially with Jimmy Butler’s availability in question to start the regular season.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LA Clippers)
Yaxel Lendeborg, senior forward, Michigan
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The Thunder could choose to trade either of their two first rounders, but if that’s not the case then Lendeborg could seamlessly fit into a roster surrounded by depth. He could find himself getting immediate playing time depending on what the Thunder chooses to do with potential free agents Lu Dort, Isaiah Hartenstein and Kenrich Williams.
13. Miami Heat
Labaron Philon Jr., sophomore guard, Alabama
The Heat 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. However, his ability to initiate has the most room for improvement, which is why he falls toward the bottom of the lottery.
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14. Charlotte Hornets
Karim Lopez, forward from Mexico, New Zealand Breakers
The first international prospect and final pick of the lottery is Lopez, a talented young wing who could be a long term fit next to LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller. He’s coming off a productive year in the NBL, but his combine measurements projects a forward with versatility on both ends of the floor.
Baylor guard Cameron Carr reacts after his 3-point basket against Washington in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, in Waco, Texas. (Rod Aydelotte/Waco Tribune-Herald via AP)
Rod Aydelotte/AP
15. Bulls (via Portland)
Cameron Carr, sophomore guard, Baylor
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Carr stole the show during the scrimmages portion of this month’s combine, finishing with 30 points and six 3-pointers in his first game. The Bulls could use a scorer with that type of potential and after taking Boozer with their first pick, Carr could be a safe choice with their second selection.
16. Grizzlies (via Phoenix)
Christian Anderson Jr., sophomore guard, Texas Tech
The Grizzlies are back on the clock with a need to pair Wilson with a point guard. Anderson is the selection at 16 because of his prolific 3-point shooting and ability to facilitate. He’s undersized at 6-1, but Anderson’s wingspan and agility testing makes him a solid choice midway through the first round.
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17. Thunder (via Philadelphia)
Morez Johnson Jr., sophomore forward, Michigan
Again, we don’t know what Oklahoma City plans to do with these two first-round picks, but if they hold on to either, then Johnson would be a great addition to an already stacked Thunder team that could reach the Finals for the second straight year. His ability to finish plays makes him a formidable force inside the paint despite his limited offensive skill set.
18. Hornets (via Orlando)
Hannes Steinbach, freshman forward/center, Washington
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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 he also showed promise as a floor spacer, making 34% of his triples this season.
19. Toronto Raptors
Jayden Quaintance, sophomore center, Kentucky
The Raptors need someone who can be their center for the future. Quaintance has that potential, especially with his defensive potential.
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20. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta)
Koa Peat, freshman forward, Arizona
The Spurs are two wins away from the NBA Finals, but the addition of one more first-round pick could be the icing on the cake for their nucleus of young talent. With Carter Bryant already in place as the next potential great defender in the league, Peat would be someone who can develop without pressure at the next level.
Duke guard Isaiah Evans (3) dunks against Alabama during the first half of an Elite Eight round NCAA college basketball tournament game, Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Newark, N.J.
Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP
21. Detroit Pistons (via Minnesota)
Isaiah Evans, sophomore guard, Duke
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The Pistons had two seven-round series in the postseason, but their glaring deficiency was the lack of a secondary scorer. Regardless of what happens in free agency, Detroit could benefit from someone like Evans, who could excel at the next level as a scorer and floor spacer. He could make life much easier for Arlington native Cade Cunningham.
22. Philadelphia 76ers (via Houston)
Amari Allen, freshman forward, Alabama
The 76ers will do some soul searching this summer after their second round sweep to the Knicks. Perhaps that means moving on from Paul George or Quentin Grimes. Allen would be a viable option to make an impact in the rotation because of his versatile skillset. He’s a solid ballhandler, facilitator and shooter, which makes him a Swiss Army knife at the forward position.
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23. Hawks (via Cleveland)
Ebuka Okorie, freshman guard, Stanford
After fulfilling their need at center, the Hawks opt for a guard with this selection. Like Young, Okorie is a smaller guard but he’s a threat from distance and has tremendous upside at the age of 19.
24. New York Knicks
Taris Reed Jr., senior forward/center, UConn
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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 newly-crowned Eastern Conference champions well in case they part ways with Mitchell Robinson in the offseason.
25. Los Angeles Lakers
Henri Veesaar, junior center, North Carolina
A team centered around Luka Doncic will always need a big man who has the ability to spread the floor with 3-point shooting. Veesaar made 42.6% of his triples last season, which makes him an attractive prospect late in the first round.
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26. Denver Nuggets
Bennett Stritz, senior guard, Iowa
As with the Lakers, a team with a ball-dominant hub such as Nikola Jokic will benefit from a perimeter scoring option. Stirtz is a dynamic scorer who can make plays for himself and teammates.
27. Boston Celtics
Meleek Thomas, freshman guard, Arkansas
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This sharpshooter could serve the Celtics well, especially if he decides to remain in the draft beyond Wednesday’s deadline for NCAA players to return to college. Boston could use upgrades in the backcourt, despite improvements this season from Derrick White and Payton Pritchard.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Detroit)
Dailyn Swain, junior guard, Texas
Swain has athleticism and size on the perimeter, which would help the Timberwolves’ defensively. His ability to slash and cut to the rim would also be beneficial for playing off of Anthony Edwards, who is one of the most fearless drivers in the NBA.
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29. Cleveland Cavaliers
Joshua Jefferson, senior forward, Iowa State
A college player with experience could make sense for the Cavaliers, who will likely evaluate their entire roster after getting swept in the Eastern Conference finals. Jefferson shot a career-high 34.5% from beyond the arc, which is great in the NCAA. However, that mark needs to improve at the next level.
St. John’s forward Zuby Ejiofor (24) reacts during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against UConn in the championship of the Big East tournament, Saturday, March 14, 2026, in New York.
Yuki Iwamura/AP
30. Mavericks (via Oklahoma City)
Zuby Ejiofor, senior forward, St. John’s
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The Mavericks met with Ejiofor during the NBA draft combine and could perhaps give him a look with their second pick in the draft. The senior forward has tremendous measurables with a 7-2 wingspan and 8-11 standing reach, which makes him a nice defensive wing. Anyone with a motor would be an intriguing prospect to play alongside Flagg and Ejiofor is someone who plays hard on a nightly basis.
48. Mavericks
Ja’Kobe Gilespie, sophomore guard, Tennessee
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The later you get in the draft, the more likely you find players who would rather test their luck in the two-way market. Gillespie could be one of the steals of the second round because of his shooting ability and willingness to find his teammates. The Mavericks could always use as many ballhandlers as possible, so there’s no risk with a pick like Gilespie at No. 48.