Jason Burgos
Could the Dallas Mavericks go back-to-back with star Duke prospects in the NBA Draft? A new rumor seemingly opens the door to that possibility.
After breaking their fans’ hearts last February by trading the face of the franchise, Luka Doncic, the Mavericks got very lucky when the disastrous finish to their 2024-25 season landed them in the NBA Draft, and then the No. 1 overall pick.
Their luck came at the perfect time because one of the most hyped prospects of the decade, Cooper Flagg, was up for grabs last June. Fortunately for Dallas, the 19-year-old has lived up to expectations as he leads the team in scoring (20.3) and steals (1.2), while also posting 6.6 boards and 4.5 assists a night. Yet, his impressive play during his rookie season has not stopped the Mavs from again being a lottery team this year.
While the official draft order has not yet been set, the Mavericks are likely to land anywhere from the fourth to the ninth pick in Round 1. They have been linked to various players in early mock drafts, including Arkansas point guard Darius Acuff, Jr. However, the door now seems open to bringing in another Duke star this year.
Could Cam Boozer drop to the Mavericks in Round 1 of NBA Draft?
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, “Questions persist within the scouting community about how Cameron Boozer’s game will translate to the next level… NBA personnel inevitably wonder if he’ll be able to replicate [his previous success] in the pros.”
Following a great freshman season for the Blue Devils and nearly carrying them to the Final Four this month, many basketball pundits feel Boozer can be a top-three pick in the NBA Draft. However, this report suggests the concerns of scouts could see the forward drop lower than expected. Setting up the opportunity for Dallas to select him if they land a pick outside the top three to five.
After trading Anthony Davis before the trade deadline, and with Kyrie Irving set to return next season, the Mavericks could use more help either at the swingman spot or in the front court. Boozer and skilled rebounder and rim protector, Daniel Gafford could be a formidable front-court duo with Flagg and Irving in the backcourt.
