Dallas Mavericks' Top Needs After 2026 NBA Draft Lottery Results

The NBA Draft lottery is in the books, and the Dallas Mavericks are now set at pick No. 9.

As they continue to evaluate the prospects who may be available there, we're here to break down the biggest needs for Dallas to address in the draft.

Shooting

The Mavs already have present (Kyrie Irving) and future (Cooper Flagg) stars, so they could have the luxury of addressing a need over going best player available.

And for Dallas, the most obvious need may be shooting. Last season, the Mavericks were 29th in threes per game and 26th in three-point percentage. Flanking Flagg and Irving with a more reliable catch-and-shoot threat would make the attack significantly more dangerous.

Playmaker

Of course, Kyrie is 34, coming off a torn ACL and may eventually have some interest in moving to a team closer to contention.

So, while there's reason for optimism for Flagg's playmaking upside, chasing the heir apparent for Irving's spot would make sense.

Realistic Draft Targets at No. 9 Pick

• Brayden Burries (Arizona, SG)
• Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisvill, PG)
• Labaron Philon Jr. (Alabama, PG)

As B/R NBA Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman put it in his post-Lottery Mock Draft: "New general manager Mike Schmitz could see Brayden Burries sliding seemingly into the 2-guard slot next to Kyrie Irving."

Wasserman continued: "Though not super creative, he's the type of guard who doesn't need flash to get to the rim or hit pull-ups, floaters and threes. He has been super efficient in ball-screen situations, getting downhill and shooting in the mid-range. He's had lots of success attacking closeouts and space in transition, using his frame well to shield defenders and create easy finishing angles.

"Certain evaluators just may have a difficult time picturing upside in a 6'4", limited playmaker." Which is why he may still be available this late in the top 10.

*Check out full scouting reports for Brayden Burries, Mikel Brown Jr. and Labaron Philon.