Is Mavs NBA Draft Plan Dictating Head Coach Search? Or Vice Versa?

There are two timelines the Dallas Mavericks are focused on when it comes to new president Masai Ujiri and his first substantial moves as the basketball visionary of the franchise: finding the team's next head coach and formulating a plan for the No. 9 pick in the NBA Draft.

Might those two things be working hand in hand?

First, the head coach. Dallas is looking for the successor to Jason Kidd, who was in charge for five seasons and orchestrated a trip to at least the conference finals in both times he brought the Mavericks to the playoffs.

He is also responsible for Year 1 of the Cooper Flagg era. The No. 1 overall pick and Rookie of the Year has all the makings of a perennial All-Star after a strong year under Kidd's tutelage (however controversial or questionable it was). Flagg or the Mavs aren't going to want to see a dip in production because of a pairing that doesn't mesh, and that has forced Ujiri to openly describe this decision as future-focused, hoping it's a move that sticks.

Regarding the draft, the Mavs have reportedly been open to trading their lottery pick in the June 23 first round, but a direction has yet to be determined. Some believe that, if the Mavs' top board of prospects runs dry by pick No. 9, they could trade back a few spots and pick up future draft capital. The No. 9 pick is Dallas' last first-rounder under its own control until 2031, and while they likely wouldn't get a future first in return, at least it's a haul that could open up more movement opportunities.

There's always the possibility of trading up, as well, by potentially shipping off a veteran role player in exchange for the right to move up and chase a prospect.

And while this scouting is taking place, there is not a person in place who directs how it all fits together on the floor. Although Dallas has reportedly narrowed down its list of favorite candidates - and is clashing with only the Portland Trail Blazers as the other vacancy - it's surprising a formal vision has not been put in place before draft night.

Dallas Morning News columnist suggests that Ujiri's philosophy could be intentional, as he "isn't worried what Jason Kidd's successor thinks of the pick."

Also, Sherrington believes the idea could mean "it'll be a first-timer" who gets the head-coaching offer. Hiring someone with more experience might suggest that they'd feel partial about one draft prospect versus another, based on how they anticipate the roster coming together.

With all this in mind, I'm leaning toward the possibility that Dallas could conduct the draft, then hire a head coach. It's certainly risky, considering Portland could swipe one of the Mavs' top choices. But that's just one bullet to dodge when it comes to competition.

Whichever path Ujiri elects to take on either of these timelines, they both remain crucial for the beginning of this next era of Mavs basketball. So, maybe spending the due diligence in this search and scouting process is a good thing.