3 Mavericks 2026 NBA Draft Prospects to Watch During March Madness

Dallas looks to reload with high-potential talent in the 2026 NBA Draft

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:48pm

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The Dallas Mavericks are searching for the missing piece to transform their roster into a legitimate perennial powerhouse in the Western Conference. As they look ahead to the 2026 NBA Draft, the scouting department's eyes are locked on the March Madness tournament, where they will evaluate prospects who possess the blend of mental toughness and physical dominance required to thrive under the bright lights of the American Airlines Center.

Why it matters

The Mavericks have had flashes of brilliance this season, but have struggled to find consistency, sitting outside the playoff picture. They need to find a dynamic, high-level guard who can eventually succeed the aging Kyrie Irving and provide a lethal scoring punch alongside Cooper Flagg. The front office is focused on finding a versatile playmaker who can defend multiple positions and fit seamlessly into their system.

The details

The Mavericks are looking at three prospects in particular: Darryn Peterson from Kansas, Darius Acuff Jr. from Arkansas, and Mikel Brown Jr. from Louisville. Peterson is a pure, unadulterated scorer with three-level scoring ability, while Acuff is a quintessential modern floor general who can facilitate for others while still being a scoring threat. Brown offers a level of composure and secondary playmaking that could unlock the full potential of the Mavericks' offensive sets.

  • The 2025-26 NBA season is currently underway, with the Mavericks sitting at 23-46 as of mid-March.
  • The 2026 NBA Draft is the next major event on the horizon for the Mavericks.

The players

Cooper Flagg

A key part of the Mavericks' current core, Flagg has had transcendent individual efforts this season.

Kyrie Irving

The aging and oft-sidelined veteran point guard that the Mavericks need to eventually replace.

Dereck Lively II

The Mavericks have established a solid foundation in the frontcourt with Lively.

Daniel Gafford

Another key part of the Mavericks' frontcourt alongside Lively.

Jason Kidd

The Mavericks' head coach, who has always prioritized high-IQ players who can defend multiple positions.

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What’s next

The Mavericks will closely monitor the performance of these three prospects during the March Madness tournament, as their play will be a key factor in determining which one the team ultimately selects in the 2026 NBA Draft.

The takeaway

The Mavericks are in a pivotal offseason as they look to reload their roster with high-potential talent that can help them become a legitimate perennial powerhouse in the Western Conference. Their scouting focus is on finding a dynamic, high-level guard who can complement Cooper Flagg and provide the scoring punch and playmaking the team needs to take the next step.