2026 NBA Mock Draft: After hiring Michigan's Dusty May, Mavericks take former Wolverines star Aday Mara

On the eve of the 2026 NBA Draft, we got some drama when the Dallas Mavericks reportedly hired their next coach: Michigan's Dusty May. During his two seasons with the Wolverines, May transformed the program back into a national powerhouse and helped Michigan win the national title this season.

With May set to take over Dallas, all eyes turn to what the Mavericks will do with the No. 9 pick on Tuesday night. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, there have been talks about the Mavericks trading down with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Oklahoma City owns picks No. 12 and 17 in the first round.

If Dallas sticks at No. 9, it will likely have a great opportunity to draft a former Michigan player whom May coached last season. One who makes sense -- and is projected to go to Dallas in this mock -- is Aday Mara. Mara, who transferred from UCLA to Michigan last season, was one of the best shot blockers in college basketball and would add defense next to former No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg.

Mavericks hiring Dusty May away from Michigan in basketball stunner David Cobb

If Mara is off the board, Dallas could also consider Yaxel Lendeborg or Morez Johnson Jr. That trio of Lendeborg, Johnson and Mara wore down opposing teams during the NCAA Tournament and helped the Wolverines complete a dominant run.

In this mock draft, we touch on Dallas drafting Mara and the Milwaukee Bucks picking up an extra first-round pick (13) after trading Giannis Antetokounmpo (in a mock trade) to the Miami Heat.

Let's dive in!

Mock DraftRound 1

Round 1 - Pick 1

Darryn Peterson PG Kansas • Fr • 6'5" / 200 lbs

Projected Team Washington

PROSPECT RNK 2nd

POSITION RNK 1st

PPG 20.2

RPG 4.2

APG 1.6

3P% 38.2%

This pick should come down to Peterson or Dybantsa. The Wizards can't go wrong with either prospect. Like I've said for the last calendar year, I strongly believe that Peterson is the best player in the class. It might be a shocker to some if Peterson goes here, but I personally think he is a better fit in Washington than Utah.

Round 1 - Pick 2

AJ Dybantsa SF BYU • Fr • 6'9" / 217 lbs

Projected Team Utah

PROSPECT RNK 1st

POSITION RNK 1st

PPG 25.5

RPG 6.8

APG 3.7

3P% 33.1%

The Jazz would have their vision fulfilled when Dybantsa arrived to the state of Utah as a high school senior at Utah Prep if he is available here. If Peterson is off the board, Dybantsa would be the most logical pick at 2. It's hard to see Utah passing on him.

Round 1 - Pick 3

Cameron Boozer PF Duke • Fr • 6'8" / 250 lbs

Projected Team Memphis

PROSPECT RNK 3rd

POSITION RNK 1st

PPG 22.5

RPG 10.2

APG 4.1

3P% 39.1%

Boozer had one of the best one-and-done seasons in college basketball history at Duke and would add playmaking, rebounding and scoring to Memphis. Boozer has almost become underrated this draft cycle. He would be the clear-cut No. 1 pick in most draft classes.

Round 1 - Pick 4

Caleb Wilson PF North Carolina • Fr • 6'9" / 210 lbs

Projected Team Chicago

PROSPECT RNK 4th

POSITION RNK 2nd

PPG 19.8

RPG 9.4

APG 2.7

3P% 25.9%

The Bulls have the easiest decision to make on draft night. Whatever prospect of the "Big Four" is available, that's the pick. Wilson to Chicago seems like one of the most likely pairings on draft night. Wilson has untapped potential on the offensive end of the floor and would add athleticism and defense to a franchise looking for a 1A-type player.

From Indiana Pacers Round 1 - Pick 5

Keaton Wagler PG Illinois • Fr • 6'5" / 188 lbs

Projected Team L.A. Clippers

PROSPECT RNK 5th

POSITION RNK 2nd

PPG 17.9

RPG 5.1

APG 4.2

3P% 39.7%

For me, this is where the draft starts. The Clippers can swing the draft by taking any of the point guards projected in this range. In this mock, the Clippers take Wagler, who led Illinois to the Final Four as a freshman. This is also the spot where the first big trade of the night could happen if the Clippers are confident someone like Brayden Burries would be there in the later portion of the lottery.

Round 1 - Pick 6

Mikel Brown Jr. PG Louisville • Fr • 6'4" / 190 lbs

Projected Team Brooklyn

PROSPECT RNK 8th

POSITION RNK 5th

PPG 18.2

RPG 3.3

APG 4.7

3P% 34.4%

Brown missed time at Louisville last season due to a back injury. If he's healthy and the medicals are clean, he has a chance to be the best point guard in this draft. Brooklyn needs talent after having a lackluster draft despite making five first round picks last summer. Brown checks those boxes.

Round 1 - Pick 7

Darius Acuff Jr. PG Arkansas • Fr • 6'2" / 185 lbs

Projected Team Sacramento

PROSPECT RNK 6th

POSITION RNK 3rd

PPG 23.5

RPG 3.1

APG 6.4

3P% 44%

The worst kept secret in the NBA Draft is the Kings admiration for Acuff. Kings general manager Scott Perry coached his father in the 1990s when he was the coach at Eastern Kentucky. Acuff, in my opinion, is the best true point guard in the draft. He can be an offensive engine in the NBA. That's exactly what Sacramento needs. There has been a lot of talk about Sacramento potentially trading up to secure Acuff. I'll believe it when I see it.

From New Orleans Pelicans Round 1 - Pick 8

Kingston Flemings PG Houston • Fr • 6'3" / 183 lbs

Projected Team Atlanta

PROSPECT RNK 7th

POSITION RNK 4th

PPG 16.1

RPG 4.1

APG 5.2

3P% 38.7%

The Hawks, in this scenario, will likely be deciding between Mara or Flemings. In this mock, the Hawks take Flemings, who can be an immediate two-way impact as a rookie.

Round 1 - Pick 9

Aday Mara C Michigan • Jr • 7'3" / 260 lbs

Projected Team Dallas

PROSPECT RNK 11th

POSITION RNK 1st

PPG 12.1

RPG 6.8

APG 2.4

3P% 30%

Any of the players from Michigan's frontcourt would be a natural fit with Dallas. The one that intrigues me the most is Mara going to the Mavericks. Yes, Dallas has a log-jam already at the center position with Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively III, but Mara's fit with Dallas makes a ton of sense. Mara was one of the best shot blockers in college basketball and was the defensive anchor of Michigan's national title team. He is a unique prospect because of his skill set as a 7-foot-3 big man without shoes. If he can develop as a shooter – or at least a threat as a pick-and-pop option, it would do wonders for his game.

Round 1 - Pick 10

Nate Ament PF Tennessee • Fr • 6'10" / 211 lbs

Projected Team Milwaukee

PROSPECT RNK 10th

POSITION RNK 3rd

PPG 16.7

RPG 6.3

APG 2.3

3P% 33.3%

In this mock draft, we projected Giannis to be traded to the Heat. The Bucks own this pick already and use it to draft Ament, who is one of the biggest boom-or-bust prospects in the class. Ament showed signs of improvement throughout his freshman season at Tennessee but there are question marks about his efficiency after shooting less than 40% from the field last season.

Round 1 - Pick 11

Yaxel Lendeborg PF Michigan • Sr • 6'9" / 241 lbs

Projected Team Golden St.

PROSPECT RNK 12th

POSITION RNK 4th

PPG 15.1

RPG 6.8

APG 3.2

3P% 37.2%

In my last mock draft, I had the Warriors taking Morez Johnson Jr. In this one, I have Golden State taking his frontcourt mate, Yaxel Lendeborg. Lendeborg, in my opinion, is a clear-cut top 10 player in the class. Yes, there are concerns about his draft age but he is exactly the kind of player Golden State should be targeting in the draft.

From Los Angeles Clippers Round 1 - Pick 12

Brayden Burries SG Arizona • Fr • 6'4" / 215 lbs

Projected Team Oklahoma City

PROSPECT RNK 9th

POSITION RNK 1st

PPG 16.1

RPG 4.9

APG 2.4

3P% 39.1%

The Thunder have an abundance of riches in their rotation. If the Thunder stick at No. 12, one option that makes sense is Burries. He is a versatile guard who can shoot, rebound and defend. That's exactly the kind of player OKC tends to target.

Mock Trade from Miami Heat Round 1 - Pick 13

Hannes Steinbach PF Washington • Fr • 6'10" / 248 lbs

Projected Team Milwaukee

PROSPECT RNK 16th

POSITION RNK 6th

PPG 18.5

RPG 11.8

APG 1.6

3P% 34%

Another trade! The Bucks use their second first-round pick (after trading Giannis away in this mock trade) to draft a center of the future. Steinbach has some of the best hands in college basketball and was a double-double machine during his time at Washington.

Round 1 - Pick 14

Morez Johnson Jr. PF Michigan • Soph • 6'9" / 250 lbs

Projected Team Charlotte

PROSPECT RNK 17th

POSITION RNK 7th

PPG 13.1

RPG 7.3

APG 1.2

3P% 34.3%

The Hornets appear to be in the center market this offseason. Although Johnson isn't a center, he would add size and versatility to Charlotte's frontcourt. Johnson exploits mismatches on offense and can guard multiple positions on the defensive end of the floor.

From Portland Trail Blazers Round 1 - Pick 15

Cameron Carr SG Baylor • Soph • 6'5" / 184 lbs

Projected Team Chicago

PROSPECT RNK 20th

POSITION RNK 2nd

PPG 18.9

RPG 5.8

APG 2.6

3P% 37.4%

After playing just 41 minutes total last season at Tennessee, Carr transferred to Baylor, where he blossomed into the Bears' leading scorer. He averaged 18.9 points on 49.4/37.4/80.1 shooting splits. His offensive upside is worth the swing here.

From Phoenix Suns Round 1 - Pick 16

Christian Anderson PG Texas Tech • Soph • 6'1" / 180 lbs

Projected Team Memphis

PROSPECT RNK 21st

POSITION RNK 8th

PPG 18.5

RPG 3.6

APG 7.4

3P% 41.5%

After taking a forward at pick No. 3, the Grizzlies take their point guard of the future. Anderson is one of the best shooters in the class. Sixty-five of Anderson's 108 3-point shots were non-catch-and-shoot makes, which showcases his ability to create his own shot. This is a spot where you would imagine teams call Memphis to gauge a trade down opportunity.

From Philadelphia 76ers Round 1 - Pick 17

Karim Lopez PF Mexico • 6'8" / 222 lbs

Projected Team Oklahoma City

PROSPECT RNK 15th

POSITION RNK 5th

PPG 11.9

RPG 6.1

APG 2.0

3P% 32.6%

Lopez is the only International player I've had in all my mocks. The International class just isn't as deep as previous seasons. Lopez's draft range appears to be somewhere in the late lottery or the early 20s.

From Orlando Magic Round 1 - Pick 18

Labaron Philon PG Alabama • Fr • 6'3" / 175 lbs

Projected Team Charlotte

PROSPECT RNK 14th

POSITION RNK 6th

PPG 22

RPG 3.5

APG 5

3P% 39.9%

Philon's stock boomed during his sophomore season at Alabama where he improved in almost every facet. After taking Johnson at 18, Charlotte adds one of the best point guards in the class just a few picks later.

Round 1 - Pick 19

Ebuka Okorie PG Stanford • Fr • 6'1" / 185 lbs

Projected Team Toronto

PROSPECT RNK 24th

POSITION RNK 9th

PPG 23.2

RPG 3.6

APG 3.6

3P% 35.4%

Okorie is one player who will go higher than expected. He was one of the best scorers in college basketball, and his ability to attack the rim as a guard is special. The Raptors could be in the market for a big man, but taking the BPA also makes sense.

From Atlanta Hawks Round 1 - Pick 20

Koa Peat PF Arizona • Fr • 6'7" / 245 lbs

Projected Team San Antonio

PROSPECT RNK 18th

POSITION RNK 8th

PPG 14.1

RPG 5.6

APG 2.6

3P% 35%

The biggest need for the Spurs heading into the offseason is finding a true 4 to play next to Victor Wembanyama. Peat would make sense in that regard. Although his jumper is a work in progress, he would be a great culture fit with the Spurs. Peat has been a winner at almost every stop in his basketball journey, which is exactly what San Antonio should be targeting.

From Minnesota Timberwolves Round 1 - Pick 21

Allen Graves PF Santa Clara • Fr • 6'8" / 225 lbs

Projected Team Detroit

PROSPECT RNK 28th

POSITION RNK 10th

PPG 11.8

RPG 6.5

APG 1.8

3P% 41.3%

Graves is an analytic darling. He didn't post eye-popping numbers at Santa Clara, but his advanced numbers told a different story. He could've returned to college basketball and cashed in on a huge NIL payday. Instead, he will capitalize on the hype and stay in the draft. Graves should join Jalen Williams and Brandin Podziemski as the latest first-round pick to come out of Santa Clara in the last five drafts.

From Houston Rockets Round 1 - Pick 22

Isaiah Evans SG Duke • Soph • 6'6" / 186 lbs

Projected Team Philadelphia

PROSPECT RNK 26th

POSITION RNK 3rd

PPG 15

RPG 3.2

APG 1.3

3P% 36.1%

Peat is someone who has been connected to the 76ers throughout the draft cycle. If he's off the board, I see the 76ers going BPA. Evans went from almost strictly a pure catch-and-shoot 3-point specialist at Duke during his freshman year to a legit No. 2 scoring option on the No. 1 overall seed in college basketball. Evans almost doubled the amount of 3-pointers he took from this year to last and still knocked them down at a 36.1% clip.

From Cleveland Cavaliers Round 1 - Pick 23

Chris Cenac Jr. PF Houston • Fr • 6'10" / 240 lbs

Projected Team Atlanta

PROSPECT RNK 22nd

POSITION RNK 9th

PPG 9.5

RPG 7.9

APG 0.7

3P% 33.3%

After taking Flemings at No. 8, Atlanta adds a big man who has untapped potential because of his frame, athleticism and motor. Cenac is going to be a very impactful player in the league if he lands in the right situation.

Round 1 - Pick 24

Meleek Thomas SG Arkansas • Fr • 6'3" / 190 lbs

Projected Team New York

PROSPECT RNK 32nd

POSITION RNK 4th

PPG 15.6

RPG 3.8

APG 2.5

3P% 41.6%

The reigning NBA champions could target a big man with this pick. However, one player who makes sense is Thomas. I could see him being a very valuable and impactful scorer off the bench for the Knicks as the franchise chases a repeat.

Round 1 - Pick 25

Jayden Quaintance C Kentucky • Soph • 6'9" / 255 lbs

Projected Team L.A. Lakers

PROSPECT RNK 13th

POSITION RNK 2nd

PPG 5

RPG 5

APG 0.5

3P% 0

The Lakers biggest need heading into the offseason should be finding a center. If Quaintance is still on the board, that should be the pick. He is one of the most unique prospects in this class. After playing in just four games at Kentucky last season, his stock has taken a hit. Still, when healthy, he is one of the best defenders in the class.

Round 1 - Pick 26

Dailyn Swain SF Texas • Jr • 6'7" / 211 lbs

Projected Team Denver

PROSPECT RNK 25th

POSITION RNK 2nd

PPG 17.3

RPG 7.5

APG 3.6

3P% 34.4%

I could see Swain going much higher than 26 on draft night because of how thin the wing class is. Swain was productive in his lone season at Texas and has the upside to be a two-way player in the NBA.

Round 1 - Pick 27

Joshua Jefferson PF Iowa State • Sr • 6'8" / 246 lbs

Projected Team Boston

PROSPECT RNK 30th

POSITION RNK 11th

PPG 16.4

RPG 7.4

APG 4.8

3P% 34.5%

This is the first time Jefferson has cracked the first round of my mocks this cycle. The Iowa State big man is a very skilled passer and will be an impactful role player at the next level. It wouldn't be surprising to see him land somewhere at the end of the first round or with the first few picks of the second.

From Minnesota Timberwolves Round 1 - Pick 28

Zuby Ejiofor C St. John's • Sr • 6'8" / 245 lbs

Projected Team Brooklyn

PROSPECT RNK 29th

POSITION RNK 5th

PPG 16.3

RPG 7.3

APG 3.5

3P% 30.5%

Ejiofor has a strong case to go at the end of the first round. He was one of the best defenders in college basketball this past season. If Ejiofor doesn't hear his name called at the end of the first, he will be one of the first five picks of the second round. After trading away Nic Claxton to Chicago, Brooklyn adds a solid depth piece at the end of the first round.

From San Antonio Spurs Round 1 - Pick 29

Bennett Stirtz PG Iowa • Sr • 6'3" / 190 lbs

Projected Team Cleveland

PROSPECT RNK 19th

POSITION RNK 7th

PPG 19.8

RPG 2.6

APG 4.4

3P% 35.8%

One of the point guards is bound to slide a bit on draft night. I could see that being Stirtz. The Iowa star has had an incredible rise from playing at the Division II level to being a likely first-round pick. This would be a BPA pick from the Cavs.

From Oklahoma City Thunder Round 1 - Pick 30

Tarris Reed Jr. C Connecticut • Sr • 6'10" / 265 lbs

Projected Team Dallas

PROSPECT RNK 27th

POSITION RNK 4th

PPG 14.7

RPG 9

APG 2.3

3P% 0%

Reed had one of the most dominant NCAA Tournament runs of any big man in the modern era. He is a throwback big man who thrives in the post and causes havoc on the defensive end. He averaged a career-high 2.0 blocks per game in his final season of college basketball.

Add CBS Sports on Google

Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'

Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.

The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.

Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.

But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.

'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.

'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'

The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.

Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'

A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs

Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts

But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'

A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.

'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.

Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.

'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.

'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.

'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.

'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'

'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.

'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'

Venezuela Fury and Noah Price subsidising their life by livestreaming

Venezuela Fury and her husband Noah Price look to be making their own way in the world by raking it in from their lucrative social media accounts.

The influencer daughter of Tyson and Paris Fury, 16, has become an internet sensation after tying the knot with her husband Noah, 19, earlier this year.

Since getting married and moving in together the couple have been earning thousands of pounds a month, livestreaming their life as newlyweds in their static caravan in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

And fans can't get enough of their regular life updates on TikTok and Kick, which have proved to be very profitable for the pair.

They look to be supporting themselves after Noah denied that he was given £5million by Venezuela's family as a wedding gift.

Despite his wife's huge family wealth, an estimated combined £160 million, Noah recently told his Kick followers that he 'pays for everything' for the couple.

Making light of the claims about Venezuela's millionaire financial status, Noah said: 'I actually pay for everything unfortunately. You'd expect the millionaire to pay for it wouldn't you.'

Venezuela Fury and Noah Price are earning thousands livestreaming their caravan life - after her new groom insisted he pays all the bills and denied he had £5m handout from her dad

The influencer daughter of Tyson and Paris Fury , 16, has become an internet sensation after tying the knot with her husband Noah, 19, earlier this year

Venezuela then asked their fans: 'Do you think I am a millionaire?'

Noah joked: 'She isn't a secret millionaire guys', before she broke into song and sang: 'But I live like a millionaire!'

But it seems according to estimated calculations from their social media work, Noah and Venezuela can more than afford to support themselves.

Noah has been livestreaming on platforms such as Kick and TikTok, where viewers can send paid gifts or donations.

He was previously encouraging viewers to send gifts on his honeymoon during livestreams, suggesting this is one revenue stream.

Both Noah and Venezuela have built substantial followings on Instagram and TikTok. They can potentially earn money through sponsored posts, brand collaborations, affiliate links and creator payouts.

Kick allows its creators to take home 95 per cent of the £4.99 subscription cost that fans pay.

Streamers keep 100 per cent of direct tips and donations, minus minor standard payment processing fees.

It is unclear how many subscribers Noah currently has because this information is hidden, but he does have 7,200 followers which is publicly viewable.

An industry insider has suggested Noah is making around £400 per video on TikTok, while Venezuela is likely to make £2,000 due to her following count of 1.3 million.

An industry insider has suggested Noah is making around £400 per video on TikTok, while Venezuela is likely to make £2,000 due to her following count of 1.3 million

In one video on their honeymoon, Noah asked his followers if they'd give them some more gifts now that they were married.

In a TikTok live viewed by 20,000 he said: 'Keep liking our videos people, keep sending gifts.'

After saying thank you to several of his followers he joked they should stick around on the livestream and 'watch Venezuela punch me in the mouth'.

The other half of the honeymooning couple said: 'I am, honestly!'

Noah previously confirmed that the pair don't share their finances after they were asked whether they have a shared bank account.

'She earns her money, I earn mine,' said Noah, as Venezuela joked: 'Yeah, what you gonna do about it.'

Noah went on to debunk the rumour that Tyson gave him £5million when he tied the knot with his daughter as he insisted: 'No Tyson did not give me £5million'.

Meanwhile Venezuela is being eyed up by executives for a fly on the wall TV series.

Noah went on to debunk the rumour that Tyson gave him £5million when he tied the knot with his daughter as he insisted: 'No Tyson did not give me £5million'

Boasting 1.3 million TikTok followers, Venezuela is already entertaining fans with her honest musings and candid moments, from cooking to kitting out her and Noah's static caravan home.

And following the success of the Netflix series At Home With The Furys, it is no wonder bosses are wanting to draw on the Fury popularity.

A TV insider said: 'The couple are not A-list celebrities but everyone has become obsessed with their love story.

'People are genuinely intrigued by them. Whether it’s the fact they have married so young, Venezuela’s famous family or their gypsy lifestyle, they have the ‘X factor'.

'Several TV executives think a proper fly-on-the-wall series following their lives as newlyweds in the gypsy community would be fascinating,' they told The Sun.

It is thought Netflix would be likely to produce the series due to their already established relationship with the Furys.

Venezuela's representatives told The Daily Mail: 'We have many offers on the table regarding Venezuela which we are discussing.'

Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'

Venezuela Fury and Noah Price subsidising their life by livestreaming

Other posts