Mavericks' smartest NBA Draft plan may be to ignore what fans want most

The Dallas Mavericks go into the NBA Draft with a ton of holes and questions about their current roster. For starters, Dallas desperately needs backcourt depth, as this past season was a testament to their lack of ball-handling and shooting. It's an issue Kyrie Irving's return won't solve by itself, which is why the Mavs should prioritize guard help at the draft.

This is why most Mavericks fans want Dallas to pursue a young guard in the draft, especially since the class is guard-heavy. However, there is an option where the Mavericks could go against the status quo and draft a center. It would be a smart move for the team to consider because the team lacks reliability at the center position. Plus, if they did draft a center, a perfect player is waiting for them who would change everything immediately. If he's on the board, they can't pass up on him.

Former Michigan center Aday Mara would help solidify the Mavs' future frontcourt, one of their needs that has been desperately overlooked. Remember, Dallas has struggled to find consistency and health at the position, especially during the 2025-26 season. Players like Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford have failed to hold down the fort due to injuries, and it's an issue the Mavericks shouldn't take lightly. Mara gives them the perfect solution.

Mavericks' frontcourt lacks consistency and sustainability

Three years ago, the Dallas Mavericks drafted the player that they hoped would be their center of the future when they traded for Dereck Lively II on draft night. It's a move that looked promising at first, as the Mavs made the NBA Finals in Lively II's first season with the team.

Yet after his early success, people are beginning to question whether Dallas should give up on the 22-year-old. Their logic? His injury history.

Lively II missed 27 games in his first season due to various injuries. Things progressively got worse, though, as the young center would sit out 46 games in his second season due to a stress fracture in his right ankle. Then, this past season, his injury history took a turn for the worse. Lively II was out for 75 games, dealing with multiple surgeries to repair bone spurs and discomfort in his right foot.

Daniel Gafford, Lively II's backup, also missed some time last season. He sat out 27 games because of ankle and shoulder injuries, potentially prompting Dallas to question his long-term future with the team.

So, it's not hard to believe that with two unreliable centers, Dallas could look towards the draft to solve their frontcourt woes with someone like Mara.

Aday Mara would end the Mavericks' center dilemma

As mentioned, all signs point towards Dallas drafting a guard in the 2026 NBA Draft. Lively II's and Gafford's injury history, though, could flip the script on the notion above.

If Dallas were to draft a big man, then Michigan center Aday Mara would be the perfect man for the job. The 7-foot-3 center from Spain has all the skills and assets to help a team like the Mavs, which lacks help inside. Not to mention, he played a key role in helping Michigan win the NCAA National Championship.

Last season, Mara was a monster during March Madness. He averaged 14.7 points per game, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks during the tournament. His solid performance in the opening few rounds set him up for a masterclass in the Final Four. Against the number one-seeded Arizona, Mara nearly had a double-double with 26 points and nine rebounds.

His performances during the tournament are a testament to his strengths and skills as a big man. He can easily score inside, as his soft hands allow him to knock down a quick hook shot or dunk. Mara also has a high motor, which means he can dominate the boards and defend inside the paint without getting too tired despite his massive stature. Not to mention, he played in every game last season, something that can't be overlooked.

This is something that the Mavs wish they had with their big men, Gafford and Lively II, who missed over 100 games combined last season.

Yet, one of Mara's biggest skills is his high IQ and passing. He has excellent vision. Mara can act as a playmaker at the top of the key or at the nail. So, imagine him opening up the floor and finding Cooper Flagg for a highlight play. The two of them could easily elevate the Mavs' offense, especially with Kyrie Irving on the floor.

Dallas has the perfect solution to solve their frontcourt issues, especially with Lively II and Gafford's inconsistency. The Mavs can only hope Mara is sitting there at nine when it's time to pick, although it's beginning to look unlikely after his impressive combine. Either way, drafting him solves a lingering issue.

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