Mavericks can't afford to let Cooper Flagg's dream co-star slip through second round

The Dallas Mavericks officially closed round one of the NBA Draft on Wednesday night, as they drafted their future cornerstone. The team selected Cooper Flagg with the top pick, a move that was obvious from the start. Flagg's skill set fits perfectly on the Mavs' roster, as he gives them a complementary two-way player. Plus, Flagg will be guided by all-stars Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson. So, it's safe to say Dallas will be a team to watch out for next season.

However, even with Flagg on the team, the Mavs might not be done making moves. Dallas has a glaring hole at the point guard position with Irving being out for half the season with a torn ACL. The team will likely look to free agency to fill the gap, but that doesn't mean there are no other options. For example, it's possible the Mavericks could sneak into the second round and pick up Flagg's former teammate, Tyrese Proctor. Dallas was rumored to be looking to trade into the first round to get an additional first-round pick, and while they ended up not acquiring an additional first-round pick, they could look to acquire a second-round pick to take Proctor.

Proctor would be the ideal candidate to select if Dallas were to move back into the draft. He was all the intangibles to develop effectively under coach Jason Kidd. Plus, Proctor could learn and grow under Irving once he returns. As mentioned, he is familiar with Flagg's game, and the two of them would create something special together.

Mavericks should trade for a second-round pick to draft Tyrese Proctor

So, it's clear the Mavericks should try to make their way back into the draft. Then, assuming they do, Tyrese Proctor should be the main man on their radar. He checks all the boxes the team is looking for.

For starters, Proctor has developed a connection with Flagg. They both were primary starters for Duke last season. So, they understand how each other's game works. This is good news, as Flagg will need all the help he can get to make his transition to the NBA an easy process. It would be a perfect start to the Flagg era in Dallas, as the team must do whatever it can to make him happy.

Plus, it's worth noting that Flagg and Proctor share the same agency. This means it would create a perfect pathway for Dallas to sneak into the second round of the draft and select Proctor. The Mavs will already have an established connection with agent Austin Brown, and could work out a deal with other teams to get him to Dallas. It's something that would create a dynamic partnership between the Mavs and the CAA.

Yet, the biggest takeaway from trying to draft Proctor is matching his skills with the Mavs' needs. Dallas is already thin at the guard position, as Irving is expected to be out until the second half of the season. This leaves the Mavs looking for answers, with Brandon Williams being the only true point guard on the roster.

This is where Proctor comes in. He is a 6-foot-6 guard with plenty of upside and versatility. He has a high basketball IQ and always seems to make the right decision. Proctor especially excels in the pick-and-roll game. He can read defenses well and move the ball without overthinking. This is a skill that could work wonders for the Mavs' offense, as the team recently extended one of their top lob threats in Daniel Gafford.

Although the biggest value is Proctor's improved shooting. He converted 42.3 percent of his overall attempts and 35.2 percent of his 3-point attempts during the 2023-24 season. Proctor then stepped it up a notch this past season when he shot 45.2 overall and 40.5 percent from long range. This is a major jump, as Dallas will need all the scoring help it can get.

Proctor had one of his best games last season during the second round of the NCAA Tournament. He scored 25 points against Baylor while shooting 90 percent from the field and 87.5 percent from the 3-point line. Proctor was Duke's leading scorer that game, as he and Flagg combined for 43 points. So, given time, he could continue improving his shot selection and become one of the top shooters in the game.

Defensively, though, Proctor works hard. He uses his lengthy wingspan to contest shots inside or on the perimeter and cut off passing lanes from incoming scorers. Proctor works well against guards his size and wings who are primary shooters. This is something Dallas desperately needs, as they struggle against shooters in the corner.

So, it's obvious why the Mavericks could select Proctor. He is an experienced collegiate guard who can help Flagg and the Mavs. He excels on both ends of the court and isn't afraid to take chances on both ends of the floor, and plainly, he's a winner.

Proctor has the value and skills the Mavs are deeply lacking, while also having the established connection with Cooper Flagg. He has the experience to develop into a key role player. If Nico Harrison is insistent on trading to get back into the draft, then Proctor is the perfect guy for them. While he would likely come off the bench at first, he has the potential to develop into a high-level starter one day and become Flagg's running mate for years to come.