The Dallas Mavericks currently hold their own 2025 first-round pick, which is notable given the franchise’s history of trading away first-round selections to acquire immediate contributors around their star players. The Mavericks have typically prioritized talent that can help right away, rather than investing in developing rookies, with exceptions like Dereck Lively II and Josh Green.
In his latest two-round mock draft, Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman has the Mavericks selecting Alex Karaban, a forward from Connecticut, with the 26th overall pick. Wasserman compares Karaban to Georges Niang, noting that while Karaban isn’t a primary ball handler or creator, his career 39.4% shooting from three-point range, off-ball scoring ability, and strong finishing make him a natural fit as a complementary scorer.
Karaban is having a standout junior season, averaging career highs of 15.6 points, 3.1 assists, and 1.8 blocks per game as a 6’8″ wing. He is also shooting 42.4% from beyond the arc on 6.6 attempts per game. Given the Mavericks’ reliance on ball-dominant stars like Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, adding a player with Karaban’s shooting ability could help space the floor and provide valuable scoring.
However, playing time could be limited for Karaban, as the Mavericks already have a strong group of wing players, including PJ Washington, Naji Marshall, Klay Thompson, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper, who has recently shown promise.
Wasserman also has the Mavericks selecting Gonzaga guard Ryan Nembhard in the second round. Nembhard, the nation’s assist leader with 10.3 per game, is noted for his impressive passing IQ, which he shares with his brother, Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard. Ryan’s ability to run an offense, along with his improving shooting skills, makes him a potential second-round steal.
