Mavericks' broken offense has a draft solution they can't ignore

The Dallas Mavericks were one of the worst offensive teams in the NBA last season, as the team was one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the NBA. The team, though, can finally fix this issue in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft. It's clear the Mavs need playmaking and shooting, and Illinois' Keaton Wagler is the perfect solution.

Dallas should want him badly due to his incredible 3-point shooting and limitless range, elite passing, and great size at the point guard spot (6-foot-6).

They currently have the eighth-best odds to land the No. 1 pick in today's Draft Lottery, but whether they jump into the top four or stay at eight, he's the type of player they should be hoping is on the board when they're on the clock.

Wagler has all the intangibles to help solve Dallas' offensive issues from last season. He is a savvy guard known for his elite shooting and high-level playmaking. The young guard also has a high IQ, allowing him to make smart decisions when the ball is in his hands. He excels at finishing around the basket despite having limited athleticism and has a good feel for the game.

How the Mavericks' offense fell apart last season

These are all things that would make him a strong fit next to Cooper Flagg, and he has what it takes to fix the Mavs' offense alongside their 19-year-old franchise cornerstone.

The Mavericks were the 27th-ranked offense last season, and they failed to provide any scoring support alongside Flagg for most of the season.

One issue is their 3-point shooting. Dallas was one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the NBA. They shot 34.4 percent from long range, which was the fifth-worst percentage. It was a struggle too prominent for the organization to ignore this summer.

It was a problem not even the Rookie of the Year could solve. Cooper Flagg was an offensive machine in the first season. He averaged 21 points per game while shooting 46.8 percent overall. Flagg excelled at driving to the basket and scoring through contact in the paint. Yet, if there was one thing holding him back, it was his shooting.

Flagg's 3-point shooting was his biggest weakness. He struggled heavily from long range, as he shot 29.5 percent from downtown. His shooting woes became very apparent at the end of the season when he shot 18.2 percent from behind the 3-point line in March.

So, the Mavs' and Flagg's 3-point issues highlight the team's need to find a playmaker who can create his own shot and others. They also need a secondary scorer outside of Kyrie Irving to help make Flagg's life easier. If Wagler is still on the board when the Mavericks pick, passing on him would be nearly impossible due to how he directly addresses their most glaring weakness.

Keaton Wagler is the total offensive package

Wherever the Mavericks pick, Wagler's skill set is what their offense lacked for the entire 2025-26 season.

Wagler was one of the top shooters in college basketball last season. He shot 44.5 percent overall and 39.7 percent from the 3-point line. Wagler showcased his shooting skills during the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. He scored 18 points while shooting 57.1 percent from 3-point range. His high shooting efficiency and scoring helped carry Illinois to the Final Four.

It's easy to see why Wagler would be a viable option for Dallas. His offensive game makes him the perfect option for the Mavs, as he would provide the team with more shooting and firepower. The 19-year-old would also be a perfect playmaker to pair with Flagg, as his well-rounded offensive attack would give the team a perfect one-two punch.

Buckle up, Dallas, all your questions about where the Mavericks will be picking will be answered today.

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