The Dallas Mavericks are expected to have a top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and one of the teams projected to select in front of them could help them out in a big way.
With March Madness in full swing, NBA scouts are getting some real good looks at some of the players that they are going to consider in the 2026 NBA Draft.
And there has been some recent news that, if proven to be true, could benefit the Dallas Mavericks in a very significant way.
Per a report by Marc J. Spears, an anonymous NBA GM said that his draft ranking has AJ Dybantsa at No. 1, Caleb Wilson at No. 2, and Darius Acuff Jr at No. 3. This notably leaves Cam Boozer and Darryn Peterson out of the conversation
But that isn't all.
On Sactown Sports 1140, Matt George said that he has been told that the Sacramento Kings have taken a liking to a certain Arkansas superstar point guard.
"I can tell you what I've been told, and that's that Darius Acuff has some fans in the Kings organization and, from what I understand, is pretty darn high on their draft board," George said.
With the Kings likely picking over the Mavs, and many thinking Wilson could also go high, one of either Boozer or Peterson could fall into the Mavs' laps in an ideal scenario.
And if given the chance to pick between those two talents, the Kansas superstar might be a better fit for the rebuilding Dallas team.
Some scouts have expressed concerns about his availability in his freshman season, but Peterson does not seem to be taking any of them seriously. And with the stats he put up when he was on the court, why would he?
The star guard averaged 20 points in 24 games for the Jayhawks, and he did so on some very solid shooting from the field, as well as 38 percent from beyond the arc.
Beyond his stats, there are some stark similarities in the play styles of Peterson and one Mr. Kobe Bean Bryant. The fluidity that the Kansas guard played with and the ability to score from all levels, the way he did it was uncanny.
And many have also called Peterson the best shooting guard prospect since the late, great Kobe.
It might be wishful thinking to even bring something like this up, but there is a slight chance that the Mavericks could get a shot to draft Peterson. And if they get that shot, he and Cooper Flagg could make up the NBA's best young duo in recent memory.