DHJ Quick Take: James Barlowe Breaks Down the Mavericksâ 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.
- Whatâs 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 â 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 Mavericksâ 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.
âYou have your box office, your franchise player,â 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 leagueâs 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 NBAâs 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 Louisvilleâs Mikel Brown Jr., Houstonâs Kingston Flemings, Arizonaâs 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. âHeâs a rule changer instead of a rule follower,â 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.
