NBA Combine handed Mavericks a golden trade-back scenario they can't ignore

The Dallas Mavericks' offseason is underway. The team has the ninth and 30th pick in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft after moving back one spot in the lottery last weekend. It's something that should excite fans, especially since Dallas is trying to build a future around Cooper Flagg. The idea of two first-round picks will allow the team to address many needs, like guard depth.

It's something that should be solved in the draft, as there are plenty of guards available. One option could be Baylor guard Cameron Carr. His flashy performance at the NBA Combine makes him a clear choice to fix the Mavericks' needs. His fast-paced style and high energy could force Dallas to pursue a trade back a few spots to get Carr while gaining some future assets.

Carr is expected to be a mid-first-round selection, so it would make sense why the Mavs would trade back to get him rather than just taking him at nine. Plus, if they trade back, Dallas could get another future pick. The draft class is loaded, the team has tons of options to consider, but trading back to get Carr is a golden scenario that can't be overlooked.

Why drafting Cam Carr makes sense

As mentioned, the 2026 NBA draft class is loaded at the guard position. It's a need the Mavs desperately have to solve. They could give this spot an extreme boost by selecting Cameron Carr.

The young guard recently showcased at the NBA Combine why teams like Dallas should draft him. He dropped 30 points and seven rebounds against other prospects in his first scrimmage. Not to mention, Carr knocked down six 3-pointers, plus an impressive highlight-reel dunk.

His combine performance made him someone that teams are going to have a hard time passing on. Now the Mavericks have a tough decision to make. Should they just use the ninth pick to draft someone, or should they trade back and target Carr?

His rise during the NBA Combine is something they can't look past. He'd be an excellent fit alongside Kyrie Irving, and the chance to add him to the young core with Flagg could prove to be an incredible move

His performance at the combine was a testament to his success during his junior year at Baylor. He averaged a career-high 18.9 points per game in his lone season with the Bears, a huge upgrade from his two seasons with Tennessee. Carr was one of Baylor's starting guards last season, becoming an offensive machine for the Bears, playing with high energy every game.

For example, Carr plays with elite athleticism, as his leaping allows him to score in transition or catch lobs. He has a 43-inch vertical leap, as shown at the combine. This allows him to make monster plays at the rim.

Yet, one of his biggest strengths is his 3-point shooting. Carr shot 37.4 percent from long range last season. He showed off his hot shooting during Baylor's final games of the season. In the Bears' last game, Carr knocked down 60 percent of his threes. He made 75 percent of his 3-pointers the game prior. So, drafting him would solve one of Dallas' biggest weaknesses from last season.

Carr would be a perfect pairing with Flagg

It was clear Flagg was the centerpiece of the Mavs' offense last season. He was the team's leading scorer, thriving inside the paint. One thing Flagg struggled with was defenses collapsing on him inside due to the lack of perimeter threats around him. It's an issue Cameron Carr could solve.

Remember, Carr is a high-scoring 3-point shooter who excels at long-range shooting. So, imagine him being open in the corner, while Flagg is crowded in the lane, and he dishes the ball to an open Carr for a shot. His presence would open up the Mavs' offense in numerous ways.

Carr is also an off-the-ball secondary playmaker who can easily score inside. His presence would also take the pressure off Flagg. It would allow the 2025 Rookie of the Year to find an open teammate cutting down the lane. Carr and Flagg together would give Dallas a dynamic duo who would make things difficult for opposing teams by giving the Mavericks two high-scoring threats.

Drafting Cameron Carr gives Dallas one option to help solve its backcourt issues. Plus, he would help upgrade the Mavs' offense and give Flagg the young running mate he has needed.

Trading back to draft Carr isn't something that fans have been talking about much, but his performance at the combine was too dominant to ignore. It's a scenario the team should deeply consider, as Carr has all the intangibles to upgrade the Mavs' offense. Every option should be considered at this point. Flagg desperately needs all the help he can get.

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