The departure of Luka Doncic and a mountain of injuries launched the Dallas Mavericks into a downward spiral of historic proportions. They’re now a .500 team with a record of 33-33 and continue to plunge down the Western Conference standings. But a descent into mediocrity means a more valuable draft pick. Will they trade it to maximize a tiny championship window, or keep it and look towards the future?
Dallas Mavericks Draft Pick In 2025: What Will They Do?
What If The Mavs Get A Top-4 Pick?
If the NBA Draft started today, the Mavericks would sit at 13th in the lottery. That gives them a 4.8% chance at a top four pick and a 1% chance of drafting first overall. If fortune favors Dallas and they end up with the first pick, their decision is a no-brainer. You select Cooper Flagg 100 out of 100 times. Nothing would surprise me with Nico Harrison at this point, but even he couldn’t resist the Duke freshman superstar’s talent and tenacity.
Should they receive the second pick, I think you also have no option but to take Dylan Harper. He’s separated himself from the rest of the pack with his combination of size, defensive chops, and strong ability to finish at the rim. Although he’s not Flagg, Harper remains a worthy consolation prize, and the Mavs should count their blessings if they get a chance to draft him.
After that, things get dicey. Some scouts favor Ace Bailey‘s tantalizing frame and shot making. Others may prefer V.J. Edgecombe‘s elite athleticism and solid catch-and-shoot ability. Regardless, there’s a clear tier break after Flagg and Harper, and what the Mavs could do with the third or fourth pick is anyone’s guess.
Realistic Draft Picks
It wouldn’t be a stretch to say Dallas could lose most, if not all, of the rest of their games. Injuries piled up so high that they currently have more players in street clothes than uniforms. In a recent loss to the Phoenix Suns, the Mavs ended the game with only seven players available. Even if they drop the majority of their next 16 games, it’s hard to imagine they move any higher than the tenth pick. Here’s what I imagine they’ll be looking for:
- They’ll target a guard. This team does not want for big men, but they desperately need to shore up the backcourt considering Kyrie’s injury.
- The selection will help them win now. If Nico stays as GM, he’s going all in on Anthony Davis. No projects or developmental prospects allowed.
Tre Johnson
The Dallas native and current star for the University of Texas might pique some interest for the front office. Tre Johnson brings flashy scoring chops that can dazzle a crowd. Unfortunately, he doesn’t do much else. Think Cam Thomas for the Brooklyn Nets. He might put up 30 points here and there, but he’s not getting other teammates involved, and defense is lackluster at best. Also, he’d likely be a redundant selection if Jaden Hardy remains on the roster.
Jase Richardson
In Jonathan Wasserman’s most recent 2025 NBA mock draft for Bleacher Report, he projected the Mavs to land the shooting guard from Michigan State. Jase Richardson has played well recently and is flying up draft boards for good reason. There’s nothing he does poorly, his footwork is immaculate, and he’s always in the right position. When I watch him play, it’s hard not to see a young Jalen Brunson with his small but strong frame and lefty jump shot. If I had Harrison’s ear, This is the player I’d push him to draft.
Nolan Traore
If Richardson is the draft pick I’d be most excited about, Nolan Traore would be the least. Nothing against him as a player, but the Frenchman hasn’t performed up to expectations this year. Here are the positives: Traore has speed for days, can pass, and handles the ball well. Unfortunately, his shot hasn’t developed as quickly as scouts had hoped. Without the threat of shooting the three ball, it makes the rest of his game much more difficult to execute.
Final Verdict
So, what will the Dallas Mavericks do with their 2025 first-round draft pick? If they’re lucky enough to get the first or second pick, Harrison would be foolish to pass on Flagg or Harper. Outside of that, I think it’s more likely that they package the pick in a trade for a veteran that can help them win in 2025-26. There just isn’t a player in their draft range that addresses any immediate need. With Harrison’s track record, we could be headed for some draft night trade drama.
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