Mavericks' potential draft gamble at No. 9 could unlock an elite plan later

Only two freshmen averaged more points per game than Stanford's Ebuka Okorie: AJ Dybantsa and Darius Acuff Jr., both projected top-five picks. Despite that production, Okorie is still commonly mocked in the late first round rather than the lottery or even the late teens. Given where he’s currently projected, the Dallas Mavericks could capitalize by targeting a wing or center with the No. 9 pick before pivoting to point guard like Okorie later in the first round.

Dallas not selecting a point guard in the lottery would be a gamble, given their needs, but waiting may be their best option. That's because not picking up a guard at nine would allow the team to draft one of the draft's most overlooked guard prospects, Okorie, at No. 30.

Mavericks' draft position at No. 9 opens up multiple paths forward

It’s a risky proposition, sure, but Dallas’ position at No. 9 could almost force its hand. As things stand, the top four prospects appear all but locked in, with Acuff Jr. and Keaton Wagler expected to follow shortly after. From there, point guards Mikel Brown Jr. and Kingston Flemings also look like safe bets to come off the board, potentially leaving the Mavericks to choose between a wave of wings, a handful of bigs, and Alabama’s LaBaron Philon.

Philon Jr. is the next-best point guard option, but he has rarely cracked the top 10 in most mock drafts. The sophomore averaged 22.0 points and 5.0 assists per game for a 25-win Crimson Tide, an impressive production by any standard. Still, he lacks ideal size at 6-foot-2.5 with a 6-foot-6.25 wingspan and a slight 176-pound frame. On top of that, his athletic testing at the combine left plenty to be desired.

Dallas not selecting a point guard in the lottery would be a gamble, given their team needs, but waiting may be their best option.

Ebuka Okorie emerging as late-first-round value option for Dallas

On the flip side, Okorie, who is roughly a year and a half younger than Philon, averaged more points (23.6), rebounds (3.6), and steals (1.6) while committing fewer turnovers (1.9), yet is being mocked nearly 20 picks later.

Still, there are more questions surrounding Okorie’s game. The Stanford guard burst onto the scene as an underheralded recruit, while Philon already went through the draft process once before returning to Alabama and elevating his stock with an improved sophomore campaign.

Nonetheless, this isn’t meant to compare the two prospects as much as it is to highlight how far under the radar Okorie remains. He also measured well at the combine, posting a 6-foot-7.75 wingspan despite standing just 6-foot-1.25. In fact, he’s the only point guard prospect in the class with a wingspan that is six inches longer than his height, a trait that significantly boosts his defensive upside.

Assuming Okorie will still be available at No. 30 is far from a guarantee. Still, it’s a worthwhile gamble for the Mavericks, especially if they use the No. 9 pick on a prospect like Michigan’s 7-foot-3 center Aday Mara or two-way shooting guard Brayden Burries.

Of course, there’s an argument that Burries and Okorie overlap to some degree as guards. However, Burries projects more as an off-ball two-guard and connective piece, rather than an on-ball specialist like Okorie.

Okorie’s first-round value and Mavericks draft fit

It’s well known that Dallas’ backcourt needs a revamp. Kyrie Irving is 34 and returning from a torn ACL. Ryan Nembhard has a team option, while Brandon Williams is an unrestricted free agent, and AJ Johnson is already on his third team in two seasons. The Mavericks’ shooting guard rotation, meanwhile, is currently only made up of Max Christie and 36-year-old Klay Thompson.

Okorie presents one of the more intriguing options as a plug-and-play prospect with significant upside in the late first round. His strong collegiate production, coupled with his youth, makes him an appealing developmental bet.

Both Bleacher Report and ESPN project Okorie at No. 28, while Yahoo Sports has him at No. 32, placing him squarely in the Mavericks’ range with their second first-round pick at No. 30. If Dallas truly covets Okorie, there is also the possibility it could package No. 30 and No. 48 to move up and secure the freshman. It would not be surprising to see Okorie continue to rise as the draft process unfolds.

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