Another Blue Devil could join Dallas. A recent mock draft projects the Mavericks snagging a versatile scoring forward, bolstering their future core.
The Dallas Mavericks have not had the season they were hoping for at the beginning of the year. There is a silver lining, however, and it is that the team could get a better pick in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft.
And in a recent mock draft from Bleacher Report, they have the Mavs getting just that by snagging the No. 3 overall pick. And with that selection, they would take the obvious choice and go with another Duke Blue Devil.
"The Durham-to-Dallas pipeline has already treated this franchise awfully well, and that's without even seeing what can happen when Cooper Flagg, Kyrie Irving, and Dereck Lively III all share the floor," Zach Buckley writes. "Adding Boozer to the mix would only up the potency... He could be a tremendous advantage-creator with his paint-to-perimeter scoring range and willingness to consistently make the right reads."
What makes Boozer particularly intriguing is how complete his game already looks at such a young age. He can score inside using his physical frame and polished post moves, but he’s also comfortable facing up and attacking defenders off the dribble.
For Dallas, adding a player like Boozer would address several long-term needs. The Mavericks have spent recent seasons searching for more frontcourt production and versatility. Boozer’s ability to play either forward spot would give the team flexibility while adding a potential franchise cornerstone in the paint.
The 18-year-old Blue Devil is averaging an eye-popping 22.5 points and 10 rebounds per game on 56 percent shooting from the field. And by the way, he is also shooting just under 41 percent from three on almost four attempts per game.
Slotting Boozer into the power forward position alongside Cooper Flagg at the three would be the stuff of nightmares for opposing defenses, but there is no guarantee that the Mavericks will get a high enough pick to grab him.
But if they do, Dallas' rebuild might not last as long as we once thought that it would.