NoCeilings’ new AI-powered mock draft simulator gives Dallas several fascinating paths, from trading up for Darius Acuff Jr. to moving down for a massive haul.
Between NoCeilings’ new AI-powered mock draft simulator and perfect lineup games like 82-0 taking over sports fans’ downtime all June, draft season has never had this many rabbit holes to fall into.
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NoCeilings lets users play general manager for their favorite team, generate trade offers from AI general managers and grade picks in real time. After spending some time in the war room making calls as the Mavericks’ general manager, here are the three best simulations worth sharing.
Simulation One
The first run was the most aggressive. I packaged all three Dallas picks (No. 9, No. 30 , No. 48) and sent them to the LA Clippers for the fifth overall selection. NoCeilings has Darius Acuff Jr. ranked fifth on its big board as the last prospect in the elite tier of this class.
The Arkansas guard averaged 23.5 points and 6.4 assists this season and was one of the most dynamic offensive creators in college basketball. His 3-point shooting at 44% and ability to get to the free-throw line at an elite rate make him one of the few prospects in this class who could function as a primary offensive creator from Day 1 alongside Cooper Flagg.
The simulator graded the haul a B-plus and called it a best-player-available pick, noting that Acuff’s defense remains a concern but that he solves too many offensive problems to pass up.
Simulation Two
The second run produced the most surprising result. No trades were made and the Mavericks stayed at No. 9. Acuff fell all the way to Dallas, which the simulator flagged as a significant steal given that most mock drafts have him gone no later than No. 7.
At No. 30, I added Josh Jefferson from Iowa State, one of the most complete seniors in the country this past season. Jefferson averaged 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game and was named an All-American before suffering a March ankle injury that limited his postseason availability.
He posted rare two-way production with steal and block rates above 3% while also recording a 27.7% assist rate and strong rebounding numbers. At 6-foot-8 with real versatility, Jefferson is the kind of physical, do-everything wing who fits naturally next to Flagg.
The simulator called Jefferson a steal at No. 30 but suggested the Nate Bittle pick at No. 48 was a slight reach. Bittle, a 7-foot-2 rim protector from Oregon, would still give Dallas another developmental big with size. Overall grade: B-plus.
Simulation Three
The third run was the most satisfying and produced an A grade. Acuff fell to No. 9 again and three trade offers arrived from the AI general managers. I accepted Oklahoma City’s offer, sending the ninth pick to the Thunder in exchange for picks No. 12 and No. 17, along with a 2027 first-round pick swap.
At No. 12, I took Brayden Burries from Arizona, a player most mock drafts have projected directly to Dallas at No. 9. Getting him at No. 12 after trading down felt like legitimate value. Burries averaged 16.1 points on 49.1% shooting and 39.1% from 3-point range while leading Arizona to the Final Four. He is one of the more proven and polished two-way guards in the class at 6-foot-4 with a 6-foot-8 wingspan.
At No. 17, I went big with Yaxel Lendeborg from Michigan. Lendeborg won Big Ten Player of the Year after averaging 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists on 64.6% true shooting. At 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan, he brings rare size and versatility to the frontcourt and his lane agility numbers at the combine were among the best of any big in the class.
At No. 30, Bennett Stirtz from Iowa was still on the board. The senior averaged 19.7 points and 4.4 assists while shooting 47.7% from the field and 39.1% from 3-point range. His IQ and shot-making made him difficult to pass up.
With the final pick at No. 48, I selected Maliq Brown from Duke, Flagg’s former teammate. The 6-foot-7 forward averaged 8.9 points and 5.2 rebounds for the Blue Devils this season and brings the versatility and motor the simulator labeled as exactly what contending teams covet off the bench.
The simulator’s verdict on the third run delivered the most encouraging line of the entire exercise: The front office delivered. Now it is on the coaching staff to maximize these picks.
As fun as it is to play GM for a few hours, the real decisions belong to Masai Ujiri and Mike Schmitz. In two weeks we find out if they are willing to be just as bold.
