Mavericks 2026 NBA Draft grades for every pick

The Dallas Mavericks are a team that is in transition. They struggled badly throughout the 2025-26 season and finished tied for 11th overall in the Western Conference with a 26-56 record, but there’s no doubt that the Mavs have a future.

They drafted Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick a year ago, and they are building their team around him. He clearly has all the tools to become a superstar and a first-team All-NBA player, but it takes time for even their elite players to find their game.

Flagg won the Rookie of the Year Award and earned a spot on the All-Rookie team. He averaged 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game while shooting 46.8 percent from the field and 82.7 percent from the free throw line.

At this point, the Mavericks want to give Flagg the best opportunity to reach his potential as fast as he can. Since Flagg is a team-first player who can handle the ball and pass it as well as he can shoot it, there are no dangers of the Mavs becoming a one-man team.

However, he needs teammates who can complement him and come through with key plays at the biggest moments. Top draft pick Morez Johnson appears to be a player who can fill that role. The Mavericks’ rookie will have a chance to play for his college coach Dusty May, who was hired as the team’s new head coach. May led Michigan to the national championship this year before he decided to make the jump to the NBA.

Round 1, Pick No. 9, Power forward Morez Johnson

As the draft got underway, it appeared that Michigan would have three of its key players would be drafted early in the first round. The thought among several draft experts was that 7-foot-3 Aday Mara and Yaxel Lendeborg might go before Johnson, but May and Mavericks general manager Mike Schmitz went with Johnson. He is an excellent defensive player, a strong rebounder and he will compete his heart out on an every-game basis.

Johnson, 6-9 and 250 pounds, does not have top-10 numbers as he averaged 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds in the games he started at Michigan. However, he has the kind of physical strength that should allow him to battle more experienced players on an every-game basis. He also has the kind of confidence that should help him hold his own against the best players in the league.

“I would say my motor is unbelievable,” Johnson said, per Christian Clark of The Athletic. “Competitive. I can guard 1 through 5.”

Schmitz believes that while Johnson is known for his tenacity, rebounding and defense, he has offensive skill that should allow him to become a dynamic running mate with Flagg.

“I wouldn’t put a ceiling on a 20-year-old who has that rate of improvement,” Schmitz said. “To go from a young freshman to then transferring and having this type of impact already at that age. To have that tenacious mentality on the offensive glass. Just to see that rate of improvement signals there is more growth ahead on the offensive end.”

Grade: B-plus

Round 1, Pick 25, Guard Sergio De Larrea, Spain

Sergio De Larrea was selected by the Lakers but he was traded to the Mavericks. He is a 6-5 ball handler with quickness and athleticism. De Larrea is a solid shooter but he prefers to be a playmaker and that should fit the Mavericks’ needs.

He is a solid defensive player who takes that part of the game seriously. While he may need a year before he gets to play consistently, he definitely has the assets to play and contribute to the Mavericks in the future. Once he makes the roster, he should earn a spot in May’s rotation.

Grade: C-plus

Round 2, Pick 48, Forward Tobi Lawal, Virginia Tech

Lawal is definitely a project for the Mavericks, but he has a chance to make a contribution because he is a remarkable athlete at 6-8 and 215 pounds. However, his game at this point is quite raw and he needs quite a bit of offensive development before the Mavericks feel comfortable with Lawal getting a chance to play on a regular basis.

He demonstrated his defensive intensity playing for the Hokies, but his offensive game is quite rudimentary. What he can do is dunk the ball and make plays around the basket. If he can develop a reasonable mid-range game, he could prove to be valuable.

Grade: C-plus

Round 2, Pick 26 Guard Vsevolod Ischenko, Russia

This was originally a Lakers pick, but the Mavericks wanted him and made the deal to acquire him. Ischenko had a solid year while playing for VTB United last season, demonstrating that he could be a dependable shooter. The 6-3, 218-pound guard connected on 50 percent of his shots from the field and also had an excellent showing on his long-distance shots. He connected on 45 percent from beyond the arc.

Ischenko was recognized for his development as he won an award as his league’s Young Player of the Year Award. He is something of a sleeper, but that shooting ability could give him a chance to make an impact at the NBA level.

Grade: B-minus

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