Mavericks’ best possible pick at No. 9 to move Cooper Flagg era forward

The Dallas Mavericks know exactly who their franchise centerpiece is — Cooper Flagg. What the organization must determine now is how to maximize his immense potential. Following a disappointing 2025-26 campaign, the Mavericks suddenly find themselves armed with the No. 9 overall selection in the 2026 NBA Draft. With Dallas not fully controlling its own first-round pick again until 2031, the margin for error is virtually nonexistent. This pick must be transformational. Sure, there will undoubtedly be tempting options available when Dallas is on the clock. However, if the Mavs keep their pick, one prospect could be the ideal long-term partner for Flagg. With that, Houston guard Kingston Flemings should be the target.

Dallas’ new hope

The Mavericks endured a miserable 2025-26 season. Injuries, roster instability, and a lack of depth ultimately derailed any hopes of postseason relevance. Kyrie Irving’s absence left a massive void in the backcourt. Meanwhile, Dallas struggled to generate consistent offense throughout the campaign.

Yet amid the disappointment, Flagg’s development changed the organization’s outlook entirely. The dynamic forward immediately showcased why he was considered a franchise-changing talent. Flagg displayed elite two-way instincts, advanced playmaking ability, and a level of competitiveness rarely seen from players his age. He looked every bit like a future superstar.

Still, even transcendent players need help. The Mavericks’ supporting cast frequently left Flagg carrying too much responsibility on both ends of the floor. Dallas desperately lacked perimeter creation, point-of-attack defense, and secondary playmaking. Those weaknesses repeatedly surfaced throughout the season. The No. 9 pick offers an opportunity to address all of them simultaneously.

The ideal selection

If general manager Mike Schmitz remains at No. 9, Kingston Flemings represents the best possible outcome. He possesses exactly the traits modern championship contenders prioritize in lead guards. Most notably, Flemings consistently pressures defenses.

Blessed with a lightning-quick first step and elite change-of-pace ability, Flemings routinely collapses defensive structures by getting into the paint at will. Once there, he demonstrates advanced decision-making and excellent vision. That skill set would dramatically benefit Flagg.

Throughout his debut season, Flagg often found himself initiating offense and creating advantages almost entirely on his own. Adding Flemings should alleviate some of that burden. The partnership could prove devastating in transition.

Few players run the floor as effectively as Flagg. Pairing him with a guard capable of consistently pushing pace and delivering precise passes would give Dallas one of the league’s most dangerous open-floor combinations.

Mavericks’ long-term vision

Offense alone is not enough, of course. The Mavericks also need to establish a defensive identity. Flemings can also help accomplish that. Unlike many offensively gifted guards entering the NBA, Flemings competes relentlessly on the defensive end. He possesses a strong frame and the type of competitive edge coaches covet.

More importantly, he projects as a legitimate point-of-attack defender. Dallas struggled throughout the 2025-26 season to contain dribble penetration. Opposing guards repeatedly turned the corner. It placed enormous strain on the Mavericks’ interior defenders and forced Flagg into constant help situations.

Flemings changes the equation. His ability to navigate screens, pressure ball-handlers, and remain attached to elite scorers would immediately strengthen Dallas’ perimeter defense. Combined with Flagg’s elite weak-side instincts, the Mavericks could begin constructing a defensive infrastructure capable of generating turnovers and fueling transition opportunities.

Timeline alignment

One of the most important considerations for Dallas should be timeline. Flagg is the centerpiece of the organization’s future. Every major roster decision should be made through that lens. Flemings aligns perfectly.

His developmental arc mirrors Flagg’s timeline. Rather than relying exclusively on aging veterans or expensive free-agent acquisitions, the Mavericks could establish a sustainable foundation featuring two young cornerstone pieces. That is especially important given Dallas’ limited future draft capital. The Mavericks simply cannot afford to miss on this selection.

Need influences decision

There will undoubtedly be arguments for selecting the best player available regardless of positional need. In a vacuum, that philosophy makes sense. But the Mavericks already possess their franchise star. Their objective now is maximizing him.

Flemings addresses multiple organizational weaknesses simultaneously. Few prospects projected to be available at No. 9 can claim the same. Dallas needs fit as much as talent. Flemings offers both.

The Mavericks cannot afford to treat the No. 9 selection as merely another draft pick. It represents a rare opportunity to secure a long-term running mate for Cooper Flagg. Kingston Flemings checks every box.

He is dynamic with the ball, disruptive defensively, highly competitive, and tailor-made for the modern NBA. For the Mavericks, the decision should be straightforward. If Flemings is available at No. 9, Dallas should not hesitate.

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