DHJ Quick Take: James Barlowe Breaks Down the Mavericks’ 2026 NBA Draft Options
NBA Draft analyst James Barlowe joined the Dallas Hoops Journal podcast to assess how the Dallas Mavericks should use the No. 9, No. 30, and No. 48 picks to build around Cooper Flagg.
- What’s next? The 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled for late June.
- Who broke it down? NBA Draft analyst James Barlowe of NBA Big Board and NBA Draft Junkies.
- Who could Dallas target at No. 9? Mikel Brown Jr., Kingston Flemings, Brayden Burries, and Nate Ament.
- Why does it matter? The Mavericks are building around Cooper Flagg under a new front office, with no head coach yet in place.
DALLAS — As the 2026 NBA Draft continues to approach, the Dallas Mavericks face some important decisions to continue to build around franchise cornerstone Cooper Flagg.
NBA Draft expert James Barlowe made an appearance on the Dallas Hoops Journal podcast to break down the Mavericks’ options with their picks. He covers the draft for NBA Big Board on Substack and the NBA Draft Junkies YouTube channel.
The Mavericks control the No. 9, No. 30, and No. 48 overall selections, with a front office led by Masai Ujiri, who oversees basketball operations as president and alternate governor, and Mike Schmitz, the general manager. Additionally, the team has not yet hired a head coach.
“You have your box office, your franchise player,” Barlowe said, comparing Dallas to teams such as the Brooklyn Nets and Utah Jazz that have searched for a centerpiece for years.
Barlowe said the 19-year-old produced against the league’s top wings and improved as the season progressed, and he projected Flagg to be an All-Star soon, potentially even next season. Barlowe identified a more consistent catch-and-shoot jumper as the primary area for improvement after winning the NBA’s Rookie of the Year honor.
Barlowe also addressed Kyrie Irving, who is returning from a torn ACL. He said a smart front office would consider trade offers from teams on different timelines. If the Mavericks keep Irving, Barlowe said, the ideal selection at No. 9 would be a guard who can play alongside him and eventually take over the position.
Barlowe identified Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr., Houston’s Kingston Flemings, Arizona’s Brayden Burries, and Tennessee forward Nate Ament as top prospects likely to be available at No. 9.
He called Brown the best long-term point guard in the class and said Dallas should not hesitate to select him if he is available. Barlowe said the Mavericks should prioritize guards who can shoot, pass, and defend, citing the rosters built by the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks.
Barlowe disputed the notion that Ujiri values size above all else. “He’s a rule changer instead of a rule follower,” Barlowe said, describing Ujiri as an executive who drafts the best player available.
Barlowe detailed how the Mavericks should consider trading down to acquire assets, noting their limited control of future first-round picks. Additionally, he stated that value remains at No. 30 despite a wave of players returning to college under name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, while sharing some prospects to monitor in the late first and second rounds.
The 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled for June 23 and June 24.
More Mavericks Coverage on Dallas Hoops Journal
- ‘Finn Is Our Legacy Guy’: Mark Cuban Urged Masai Ujiri To Keep Michael Finley With The Dallas Mavericks
- Why The Dallas Mavericks Should Consider Brayden Burries At No. 9
- Dallas Mavericks 2026 NBA Draft: The Case For Trading Down With The Oklahoma City Thunder
- Dallas Mavericks Enter Option Agreements For Former Valley View Mall Site For New Arena
- Dallas Mavericks Star Kyrie Irving Says He’s ‘Close To Being Over At 100%’ In ACL Recovery
- Mike Schmitz Says Dallas Mavericks Are ‘Looking At Everything’ For Next Head Coach
- Mike Schmitz Sees Kyrie Irving ‘Completely Locked In’ Around Dallas Mavericks Facility
- Why Masai Ujiri Parted With Matt Riccardi But Kept The Door Open For Michael Finley
- Why Masai Ujiri Moved On From Jason Kidd To Build Around Cooper Flagg
- Dallas Mavericks ‘Mutually Agree’ To Part Ways With Jason Kidd, Begin Search For Head Coach
- Why Keeping Kyrie Irving Is The Smartest Move For Cooper Flagg’s Early Timeline
