Masai Ujiri pivots toward a versatile future, pairing Brayden Burries with Cooper Flagg while targeting elite movement shooting and a record-breaking playmaker to fortify the Dallas backcourt.
With the 2026 NBA Draft now less than a week away, Masai Ujiri’s first major roster decision with the Dallas Mavericks is quickly approaching.
Armed with the ninth-overall pick, Dallas has an opportunity to add another premier young prospect alongside reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg as it enters a new era under Ujiri’s leadership.
But what about the Mavs’ other two selections at Nos. 30 and 48?
Below is what Ujiri’s three-man haul could look like barring any movement up or down the draft board.
Pick No. 9: Brayden Burries, G, Arizona
Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesBurries landing with the Mavericks has gained plenty of momentum of late, largely due to the 20-year-old’s decision not to work out for the Sacramento Kings, who hold pick No. 7 and appear to be after a young guard.
Per ESPN’s Anthony Slater, there is a “belief” that Dallas is one of Burries’ preferred landing spots, which would line up with his unwillingness to work out for Sacramento.
Assuming the Atlanta Hawks don’t snag the combo guard first, Burries fits the mold of previous Ujiri selections. While with the Toronto Raptors, Ujiri selected Scottie Barnes, whose all-around skill set outweighed his positional label. The same applies to Burries.
The Arizona product can create, handle, rebound, and defend multiple positions. He's more of a "basketball player" than a traditional guard — which is the exact type of talent that attracts Ujiri.
Pick No. 30: Isaiah Evans, G, Duke
Amber Searls-Imagn ImagesThe Mavs selected Cooper Flagg last summer and reportedly had "exploratory" talks with Duke's head coach Jon Scheyer for their own vacancy. Clearly, someone within the Dallas organization is intrigued by Blue Devils basketball.
So why not bring in Flagg's former teammate? Evans, 20, is one of the class’ premier movement shooters, capable of creating separation without the ball and converting difficult looks while his momentum carries him away from the basket.
Evans' constant movement on the offensive end could allow the 6-foot-6 guard to majorly impact the Mavs' scoring attack without requiring a heavy volume of touches.
Pick. No. 48: Braden Smith, G, Purdue
Eakin Howard-Imagn ImagesIn what may be a guard-heavy draft night for Dallas, Smith could be the most pro-ready of any new backcourt member. In his final season at Purdue, the 22-year-old broke the NCAA's all-time assists record, which stood for over three decades.
Smith possesses one of the highest basketball IQs in the 2026 class, using his feel for the game and instinctual decision-making to command the offense while creating opportunities for himself and others.
As Kyrie Irving's future with the Mavs seems uncertain, Smith could be an intriguing day-two option should Ujiri end up dealing Irving this summer.
