04-13-2026, 12:38 PM
(This post was last modified: 04-13-2026, 12:38 PM by dirkfansince1998.)
Considering that I want the Adelson/Dumont out of Dallas no matter the cost I am very much conflicted about the Mavs future but I am still following the NBA so I thought I might as well use the draft to make a return without getting involved in Mavs management talk.
It's probably not the most popular opinion on this board but I have Boozer and Wilson 1) and 2) in the draft. Out on a number of mentioned guard prospects. Would rather trade down if all that is left in the 8/9/10 range is Brown, Philon or Acuff.
My personal Mavs board top 10...
1) Boozer - Just like Flagg he is the youngest top tier prospect in the draft class and despite that he already looks like he is a level above the rest when it come to IQ and intangibles. He can do it all on the offensive end and I am not nearly as concerned about his defense. His positional play is solid and that's more important than everything else. His net impact on defense for Duke was great. Overall just hard to pass up on what is statistically one of the best college seasons ever.
2) Wilson - Maybe the highest upside pick. Athleticism and defensive versatility to be a Giannis/KG level roaming defender with 1-5 switchability. If the improved touch on offense he showed prior to his injury is for real he is going to be an unstoppable freight train driving to the rim at will.
3) Dybantsa - Just not sure what he really is. As far as body type and movement goes he is almost KD'esque but he isn't as good of a shooter. Also not the biggest fan of his decision making and defense. Still a top tier talent that could easily go 1) in a different year.
And now it gets difficult.
4) Wagler - Among the guards he is probably the high floor/low ceiling option. Maybe it's the DSJ-PTSD speaking but for me that makes him the most desirable option among them. He has no real flaws and probably fits into any given role playing PG/SG next to other players with solid ballhandling ability. He probably isn't the high usage drive and kick creator that others prefer but he rarely makes mistakes with the ball in his hands and has a legit off ball game.
5) Peterson - At some point you have to pick him. On paper he should be the next SGA/Kobe but for me the list of red flags is just too long. Decision making, effort, health. He is a top tier scorer from all levels but it's hard to imagine that a player with his tunnel vision will ever turn into a top tier creator for others. Almost THJ-like in the sense that once he gets the ball he is going to shoot it. He has all the tools to be a great defender but effort and off ball awareness are lacking. Overall he is just too big of a risk for me and I would probably trade down if the Mavs are in a position to pick him. Let another team figure out all the question marks.
6) Mara - Once upon a time (two years ago) he was viewed as a top 3 prospect in the world. Combination of touch, passing vision and size is unique. Add elite rim protection and even the expected limitations when it comes to mobility on the perimeter don't scare me. As far as passing goes he is the closest thing to Jokic that I have seen at the center position and even though he probably will never be even half as good as Jokic that's enough for me to gamble on his upside.
7) Burries- Comparable to Wagler but worse with the ball in his hands and not as good of a passer. Basically the number one 3&D prospect in the draft class. Probably the best all around athlet among the guards that are projected to go in the lottery. Strong, quick first step, lateral quickness to stay in front of almost almost everyone.
8) Flemings - Looking at the guards it's once again a low risk approach. Prototype drive and kick ballhandler that just plays a little bit bigger than Acuff or Philon. At least offers the potential to be a net neutral on defense.
9) Steinbach - Comparable to Boozer when it comes to their game in the paint but he lacks the face up game and passing vision. All the fundamentals and all around skills you could ask for. People love the high flying rim protectors but just like in Boozer's case I wouldn't be suprised if a fundamentally sound guy like Steinbach turns out to be a better defender than most 2+ blocks college rim protectors. Probably going to trigger a lot of people when I mention Kleber or Powell as examples of plus defenders with similar measurements and athleticism.
10) Acuff - He seems to be the board favorite and I get that his scoring ability is everything you could ask for after watching undrafted two-way players trying to create of the dribble all season long but I just don't see how to hide him on defense. As far as I can tell we are looking at a Lillard/Young level of defensive liablity. Just ask yourself. Would you use the Mavs pick to draft Trae Young? For me the answer is a clear no. Would rather trade down and add value in other areas.
Completly out on Brown and Philon. Brown screams DSJ. Philon is turnover prone and even though he developed his individual skills (shooting, finishing, handling) he still plays like a first year player. Making the kind of mistakes that would have landed a rookie in RC's doghouse back in the days.
Ament seems to be a measurements pick. Long with great mobility and guard like handles. Would probably take a couple of years for him to ever reach his potential (if ever). Same for Peat and Lopez.
Lendeborg is just too old. Probably one of the most impactful players in college basketball this season but that's what I expect from a player that will be 24 in his first NBA season. Usually guys like him get picked in the 2nd round.
Looking at potential trade down targets and pick 30:
Stirtz - Basically a worse version of Wagler. You don't want him to be the primary ballhandler but he offers a nice mix of on ball/off ball abilities. Might be because he is older but in my opinion he has a better feel for the game than the lottery guards.
Morez Johnson - PF or small ball five that just needs to add a reliable 3 (improved over the season). All teams are looking for the 1-5 switchable defender archtype and in this guard/wing heavy draft class he is one of the better options.
These guys would interest me at 30 but could also be available in the mid/late second round:
Momcilovic and Sandfort - Probably the two best 3-point shooters in college basketball. Both will have a hard time on defense. I think Sandfort offers a little bit more on that end but he isn't as big. Basically Ryan Anderson vs Duncan Robinson. Who would you rather have in the modern NBA?
Bidunga - The usual raw rim protector. But probably the one with the best mobility and potential to defend the perimeter
Braden Smith - Think TJ McConnell. Late second round is where you gamble on an undersized guard. Relentless motor on both ends. Can do a little bit of everything but mostly a pass first playmaker.
Emanuel Sharp - 3&D point of attack defender. Don't expect him to create. He guards the best opposing guards and spots up for three on offense.
It's probably not the most popular opinion on this board but I have Boozer and Wilson 1) and 2) in the draft. Out on a number of mentioned guard prospects. Would rather trade down if all that is left in the 8/9/10 range is Brown, Philon or Acuff.
My personal Mavs board top 10...
1) Boozer - Just like Flagg he is the youngest top tier prospect in the draft class and despite that he already looks like he is a level above the rest when it come to IQ and intangibles. He can do it all on the offensive end and I am not nearly as concerned about his defense. His positional play is solid and that's more important than everything else. His net impact on defense for Duke was great. Overall just hard to pass up on what is statistically one of the best college seasons ever.
2) Wilson - Maybe the highest upside pick. Athleticism and defensive versatility to be a Giannis/KG level roaming defender with 1-5 switchability. If the improved touch on offense he showed prior to his injury is for real he is going to be an unstoppable freight train driving to the rim at will.
3) Dybantsa - Just not sure what he really is. As far as body type and movement goes he is almost KD'esque but he isn't as good of a shooter. Also not the biggest fan of his decision making and defense. Still a top tier talent that could easily go 1) in a different year.
And now it gets difficult.
4) Wagler - Among the guards he is probably the high floor/low ceiling option. Maybe it's the DSJ-PTSD speaking but for me that makes him the most desirable option among them. He has no real flaws and probably fits into any given role playing PG/SG next to other players with solid ballhandling ability. He probably isn't the high usage drive and kick creator that others prefer but he rarely makes mistakes with the ball in his hands and has a legit off ball game.
5) Peterson - At some point you have to pick him. On paper he should be the next SGA/Kobe but for me the list of red flags is just too long. Decision making, effort, health. He is a top tier scorer from all levels but it's hard to imagine that a player with his tunnel vision will ever turn into a top tier creator for others. Almost THJ-like in the sense that once he gets the ball he is going to shoot it. He has all the tools to be a great defender but effort and off ball awareness are lacking. Overall he is just too big of a risk for me and I would probably trade down if the Mavs are in a position to pick him. Let another team figure out all the question marks.
6) Mara - Once upon a time (two years ago) he was viewed as a top 3 prospect in the world. Combination of touch, passing vision and size is unique. Add elite rim protection and even the expected limitations when it comes to mobility on the perimeter don't scare me. As far as passing goes he is the closest thing to Jokic that I have seen at the center position and even though he probably will never be even half as good as Jokic that's enough for me to gamble on his upside.
7) Burries- Comparable to Wagler but worse with the ball in his hands and not as good of a passer. Basically the number one 3&D prospect in the draft class. Probably the best all around athlet among the guards that are projected to go in the lottery. Strong, quick first step, lateral quickness to stay in front of almost almost everyone.
8) Flemings - Looking at the guards it's once again a low risk approach. Prototype drive and kick ballhandler that just plays a little bit bigger than Acuff or Philon. At least offers the potential to be a net neutral on defense.
9) Steinbach - Comparable to Boozer when it comes to their game in the paint but he lacks the face up game and passing vision. All the fundamentals and all around skills you could ask for. People love the high flying rim protectors but just like in Boozer's case I wouldn't be suprised if a fundamentally sound guy like Steinbach turns out to be a better defender than most 2+ blocks college rim protectors. Probably going to trigger a lot of people when I mention Kleber or Powell as examples of plus defenders with similar measurements and athleticism.
10) Acuff - He seems to be the board favorite and I get that his scoring ability is everything you could ask for after watching undrafted two-way players trying to create of the dribble all season long but I just don't see how to hide him on defense. As far as I can tell we are looking at a Lillard/Young level of defensive liablity. Just ask yourself. Would you use the Mavs pick to draft Trae Young? For me the answer is a clear no. Would rather trade down and add value in other areas.
Completly out on Brown and Philon. Brown screams DSJ. Philon is turnover prone and even though he developed his individual skills (shooting, finishing, handling) he still plays like a first year player. Making the kind of mistakes that would have landed a rookie in RC's doghouse back in the days.
Ament seems to be a measurements pick. Long with great mobility and guard like handles. Would probably take a couple of years for him to ever reach his potential (if ever). Same for Peat and Lopez.
Lendeborg is just too old. Probably one of the most impactful players in college basketball this season but that's what I expect from a player that will be 24 in his first NBA season. Usually guys like him get picked in the 2nd round.
Looking at potential trade down targets and pick 30:
Stirtz - Basically a worse version of Wagler. You don't want him to be the primary ballhandler but he offers a nice mix of on ball/off ball abilities. Might be because he is older but in my opinion he has a better feel for the game than the lottery guards.
Morez Johnson - PF or small ball five that just needs to add a reliable 3 (improved over the season). All teams are looking for the 1-5 switchable defender archtype and in this guard/wing heavy draft class he is one of the better options.
These guys would interest me at 30 but could also be available in the mid/late second round:
Momcilovic and Sandfort - Probably the two best 3-point shooters in college basketball. Both will have a hard time on defense. I think Sandfort offers a little bit more on that end but he isn't as big. Basically Ryan Anderson vs Duncan Robinson. Who would you rather have in the modern NBA?
Bidunga - The usual raw rim protector. But probably the one with the best mobility and potential to defend the perimeter
Braden Smith - Think TJ McConnell. Late second round is where you gamble on an undersized guard. Relentless motor on both ends. Can do a little bit of everything but mostly a pass first playmaker.
Emanuel Sharp - 3&D point of attack defender. Don't expect him to create. He guards the best opposing guards and spots up for three on offense.
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