It’s almost draft day in the NBA. The Dallas Mavericks might not have had any playoff action to get stuck into this offseason, but there’s plenty of draft talk to be had. Dallas has a handful of picks in the 2026 NBA draft, including the No. 9 pick, and needs to start building a team around young phenom Cooper Flagg.
Dallas’ real need is a young guard capable of leading and orchestrating an offense, and eventually replacing the currently injured Kyrie Irving. A pairing of a top-tier guard and Cooper Flagg would make Dallas one of the most exciting prospects in the Western Conference.
Fortunately for the Mavericks, this year has a glut of high-quality guards who may not be No. 1 pick potential, but can be a solid future prospect with a high ceiling. Here’s a look at all the Mavericks’ options for a rookie guard, what each brings to the table.
Every Guard Prospect the Dallas Mavericks Could Draft
Keaton Wagler (Illinois)
Keaton Wagler went from a virtually anonymous recruit in high school to a nailed-on lottery pick in a single year. A great year for him in Illinois, where he ran the show with his size, reliable shooting and playmaking ability, and solid defensive tools. He’ll need to bulk up to compete long-term, but he’s a great partner for Flagg if still available.
Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas)
Like Wagler, it’s unlikely Darius Acuff Jr. will fall to Dallas at No. 9. He was the talk of the country during March Madness, leading the Razorbacks to the Elite Eight with some outstanding performances. He’s arguably the best offensive engine in the draft and possesses huge upside despite his small stature and defensive questions.
Acuff is an outside favorite among sportsbooks for the No. 1 pick at the draft. If you’re looking to bet on the NBA draft, GOAL provides the best sportsbook promotions currently available in the US.
Kingston Flemings (Houston)
Kingston Flemings is a seriously high-floor prospect. He has all the tools to be a reliable primary creator for a team, and a fascinating match with Cooper Flagg and lob threats like Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II. He’s also arguably the best defensive guard in the draft. No general manager would scoff at his selection, and no fan should either, though he will also likely be off the board by No. 9.
Brayden Burries (Arizona)
Unlike some of the other prospects on this list, Brayden Burries is almost certainly left on the board by No. 9 on draft night. Rumor has it that Burries also favors Dallas as his future location. Burries is well-rounded, reliable, and carries that exact mix of mental and physical attributes that get an NBA general manager’s heart pumping.
Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville)
A guard expected to be drafted in the lower end of the draft lottery, Mikel Brown Jr. is not to be underestimated as a prospect. A great 3-point shooter with great handles, excellent footwork that really stood out in the draft combine. A high-ceiling prospect that’s worth taking a chance on, especially if he has time to learn from Kyrie Irving.
Labaron Philon (Alabama)
One of the best scorers in the class, Labaron Philon is a great scoring prospect with a fantastic mindset. He’s a great finisher and passer, and he’s not afraid of a little contact. His frame holds him back; he’s pretty slight for an NBA guard, but if a gamble on him pays off he could be an NBA starting point guard for years to come.
