ESPN Predicts Mavericks to Draft Kyrie Irving's Long-Term Replacement

The Dallas Mavericks are expected to target a point guard in the 2026 NBA Draft to build around rising star Cooper Flagg.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 6:08pm

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According to ESPN NBA insider Jeremy Woo's latest mock draft, the Dallas Mavericks are projected to select Arkansas point guard Darius Acuff Jr. with the 7th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Woo believes this would be a "coup" for the Mavericks, as they look to find a long-term replacement for the 33-year-old Kyrie Irving, who is currently sidelined with an ACL injury.

Why it matters

The Mavericks have fully embraced a rebuild around 2025 first overall pick Cooper Flagg, and adding a dynamic scoring point guard like Acuff would give them another young building block to complement Flagg as they look to return to contention in the Western Conference.

The details

Acuff was named SEC Player of the Year after a standout season that has solidified him as a lottery pick. His ability to create his own offense and find open teammates has been a major strength. The Mavericks are in need of a long-term starting point guard, with the 33-year-old Irving not necessarily fitting their timeline as they build around Flagg.

  • The 2026 NBA Draft lottery is set to take place on May 10.
  • Kyrie Irving will not play this season as he recovers from ACL surgery.

The players

Darius Acuff Jr.

An Arkansas point guard who was named SEC Player of the Year and is projected to be a lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Cooper Flagg

The Dallas Mavericks' rising star rookie, whom they selected with the 1st overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Kyrie Irving

The 33-year-old Dallas Mavericks point guard who is currently sidelined with an ACL injury and not expected to play this season.

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What they’re saying

“Acuff was named SEC Player of the Year after a stellar season that solidified him as a lottery pick. His ability to navigate tight spaces on the court, create his own offense and find teammates has been a major separator.”

— Jeremy Woo, ESPN NBA Insider

“Dallas is another potential point guard landing spot, with Kyrie Irving now 33 and the Mavs building around the rising Cooper Flagg. Finding a long-term starter at the position would be a coup for their future.”

— Jeremy Woo, ESPN NBA Insider

What’s next

The NBA lottery is set to take place on May 10, which will determine the draft order for the 2026 NBA Draft.

The takeaway

The Mavericks are in need of a long-term solution at point guard as they rebuild around rising star Cooper Flagg, and selecting Darius Acuff Jr. in the 2026 NBA Draft could be a major coup that provides them with a dynamic scoring guard to complement Flagg's game.