The 2026 NBA Draft begins in two days, and the Dallas Mavericks hold three selections: the 9th, 30th and 48th overall picks. The franchise still lacks a head coach, a rarity that makes any draft strategy more complex. Team president Masai Ujiri and general manager Mike Schmitz have spent the offseason hosting workouts with a range of prospects, giving the front office a firsthand look at the talent pool.

Ujiri and Schmitz compiled a customized "big board" that ranks the class from the Mavericks’ perspective rather than from consensus lists. At the top sits Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, followed by BYU wing AJ Dybantsa, North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson and Duke forward Cameron Boozer. The author of the board notes that Peterson is the best player in the class despite dealing with unusual injuries during his time at Kansas.

Each of the top four prospects addresses a distinct positional need. Peterson provides size and playmaking at the guard position, Dybantsa adds length and wing versatility, Wilson offers a forward skill set that could deepen the front-court, and Boozer brings athleticism and defensive upside as a forward from Duke. The board’s hierarchy suggests that the Mavericks value a guard who can handle the ball and a wing who can stretch the floor.

Rumors have already circulated that Dallas may look to trade one or more of its picks, either moving up or down the board to acquire additional first-round capital or a veteran role player. The organization’s stated goal is to add more first-round selections, whether this year or in future drafts, indicating that the front office is open to packaging its assets to improve draft positioning.

With the draft only two days away, the Mavericks must decide whether to retain all three selections or pursue trades before the first round concludes. Simultaneously, the search for a head coach intensifies, as the front office seeks a leader who can translate the selected talent into a cohesive system before the preseason begins. The outcomes of these decisions will shape Dallas’ roster construction and competitive outlook for the coming years.