While the Dallas Mavericks didn’t land the No. 1 pick in this year’s NBA draft, they could still add a talented, young player to their roster next month.
At No. 9 overall, Dallas could look for help at the guard position. Veteran Kyrie Irving is still working to return from an ACL injury, and a young guard could work next to Cooper Flagg well into the future.
It appears the Mavs will have plenty of guard options with the ninth pick. Here’s a breakdown of the players who could be available:
Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr.
2025 stats: Appeared in 21 games; averaged 18.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists.
Comment: When healthy, Brown was one of the most talented college basketball players in the country last year. The 6-5 guard was a key weapon on a Louisville team that went 24-11 and advanced to the NCAA Tournament’s second round. He could be available at No. 9 overall, due to some injury questions. He missed the last six games of Louisville’s season due to a back injury.
2025 stats: Appeared in 37 games; averaged 16.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 5.2 assists.
Comment: Flemings needed just one season to prove he could help Houston maintain its standing as one of the Big 12’s top teams. The San Antonio Brennan product is a speedy scorer with the ability to finish through contact. ESPN currently ranks Flemings (6-4) as the seventh-best prospect in this year’s draft. Flemings was an AP third-team All-American and he earned first-team All-Big 12 honors.
2025 stats: Appeared in 39 games; averaged 16.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists.
Comment: Flemings wasn’t the only standout freshman in the Big 12. Burries (6-4) played a key role in Arizona’s Final Four run. He showcased his skills as an athletic guard in 2025, using his strength to power past opponents. He was a willing defender in his lone year at Arizona, averaging 1.5 steals per game. ESPN ranks Burries as the 10th-best prospect in the class.
2025 stats: Appeared in 37 games; averaged 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists.
Comment: Wagler may not be available by the time the Mavericks pick at No. 9. He is a big guard at 6-6, and he has the ability to create his own shot. Wagler shot 39% from 3-point range in his lone season at Illinois. According to ESPN, Wagler has traits like Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton. Wagler is reportedly the fifth-best prospect in the class.