The Dallas Mavericks are now preparing to build around their rookie sensation Cooper Flagg. While the 2025-26 season hasn’t treated Dallas well, at least they still have a backup plan in Flagg. With that in mind, it seems that the Mavericks are now looking forward to the addition of more young stars in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft.
Cooper Flagg Projected To Team Up With Darius Acuff Jr.
The Dallas Mavericks are in 12th place in the Western Conference this season. This is due to the failed experiment with Anthony Davis as the new face of the franchise. With injuries getting in the way, Davis was mainly absent from the team, leaving their rookie, Flagg, with no one to help him rack up wins.
Despite constantly being on the losing end of the floor, Flagg has proven to be a future bright star, potentially winning this season’s Rookie of the Year award. With that in mind, the Mavericks have decided to fully invest in Flagg and seek the right pieces to surround him.
Heading into the 2026 NBA Draft, the Mavericks are projected to get the eighth pick. According to PFSN’s mock draft, Dallas is predicted to select Arkansas Razorback guard Darius Acuff Jr.
Acuff is one of the top prospects in the NCAA today. He’s averaging 22.2 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.1 rebounds. He’s a solid playmaker who can score when needed. Adding offensive power to the team could help an explosive player like Flagg.
PFSN’s Josh Weil believes that Acuff will be a perfect fit for Dallas and Flagg’s playstyle.
“With the confidence and skill that Darius Acuff has shown this season, and to constantly show up for his team night in and night out, he seems like the perfect running mate for Cooper Flagg and the suddenly young Mavericks,” Weil wrote. “Acuff has had a memorable season overall, but set an Arkansas freshman record with 49 points in a 117-115 double-overtime loss to Alabama.”
“Acuff can score from all three levels and is a great facilitator and leader, which are necessary to lead an offense,” Weil continued. “Look for Dallas’ youth movement to bring fun back to the Mavericks sooner rather than later.”
Everything remains to be seen for now. The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery will commence on May 10. Only then will we find out which picks each team will secure. As for the draft proper, it’s projected to fall sometime in June.
