Mavericks’ draft search for a new star ignores the underappreciated guard they need

Point guards, point guards, point guards. That’s all you hear when canvassing the Dallas Mavericks’ draft priorities. But what if a point guard isn’t the right answer? What if Dallas is missing the mark on its ideal prospect altogether? That possibility came into sharper focus during the Mavericks’ 142–135 loss to the Denver Nuggets. If anything, it underscored the need for a two-way option like Arizona’s Brayden Burries.

It wasn’t just that Dallas gave up 142 points on 56.2 percent shooting to Denver. It was how it happened. Jamal Murray torched the Mavericks for 53 points, shooting 67.9 percent from the field in a season-best performance. Dallas had no answer.

Why the Mavericks might be overlooking Brayden Burries

Sure, it’s easy to look at this and say Dallas needs a point-of-attack defender. Someone who can slow opposing point guards. But that solution isn’t so simple, and the Mavericks’ current crop of projected point guard targets is far from defensive stoppers.

So far in the draft cycle, some of the Mavericks’ top predicted targets have included Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr., Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr., Houston’s Kingston Flemings, and Illinois’ Keaton Wagler. All are intriguing guard prospects — but each comes with notable defensive concerns. Acuff Jr., Brown Jr., and Wagler all lack ideal size or frame, while Flemings does offer some more balance as a two-way option. Still, even he isn’t quite what Burries is: a true two-way guard.

To be clear, Burries isn’t a point guard. He’s a true shooting guard. Burries has spent the entire season starting alongside Big 12 Player of the Year and veteran floor general, Jaden Bradley, in Tucson.

Point guards aren't the Mavericks' only answer

Don’t let the notion that Dallas must draft a point guard cloud the bigger picture. Burries’ NBA fit, especially in Dallas, could be better than even the tantalizing Acuff Jr. or the smooth, silky Wagler. He thrives in areas where those guards don’t: playing off the ball, bringing an NBA-ready frame, standing 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, and, above all, offering real two-way potential.

It keeps coming back to the same point: the Mavericks need more two-way impact. A connective piece between Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg should be the priority. Max Christie may profile in that role, but he’s primarily a shooter who offers little else. Opponents have actually shot better against him than usual, and he’s averaging just 2.0 assists to 1.3 turnovers per game.

At just 23, Christie may project best as a sixth man. That makes Burries the more likely long-term answer at shooting guard. But what about point guard? Dallas already has Irving under contract through 2028, Ryan Nembhard for another season, and holds the Bird Rights to Brandon Williams if they choose to re-sign him this offseason.

A 34-year-old Irving and two former undrafted free agents don’t exactly inspire confidence at point guard. But at shooting guard? It’s Christie… and who else? Klay Thompson? AJ Johnson? Two-way rookie John Poulakidas? As it stands, the Mavericks’ depth at shooting guard is even more concerning.

Brayden Burries is the two-way fit Dallas needs

Burries might not yet have the attention of Acuff Jr., Flemings, or Wagler, but he’s a key cog on one of the national title favorites. And he hasn’t underwhelmed. He averaged 16.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, shooting 49.9/39.2/80.0 for a team that went 34-2 in the regular season.

Beyond the numbers, Burries’ game translates seamlessly to Dallas’ current needs. He’s the type of two-way guard who can slide in between Irving at the 1 and Flagg at the 3, acting as the connective piece the Mavericks have been missing.

Burries is comfortable off the ball, willing and able to defend multiple positions, and ready to contribute immediately. He offers both stability and upside. While others in the draft may shine as shooters or floor generals, few bring the combination of skill, size, and defensive instincts that make Burries a perfect complement to Dallas’ stars.