The 2026 NBA Draft is finally here, and while much of the spotlight remains fixed on the battle for the No. 1 overall pick, a surprising storyline involving the Dallas Mavericks is quickly gaining momentum. Following the franchise’s recent hiring of former Michigan head coach Dusty May, draft analysts are beginning to connect the dots between Dallas and several standout Wolverines prospects.
One of the most intriguing predictions comes from CBS Sports draft analyst Cameron Salerno, who believes the Mavericks could use the No. 9 overall pick on Michigan center Aday Mara. The move would reunite Mara with the coach who helped guide Michigan to a national championship and could significantly shape Dallas’ future frontcourt.
Salerno’s latest 2026 NBA Mock Draft projects the 7-foot-3 Spanish big man landing in Dallas, where his elite rim protection and defensive instincts could make him an ideal complement to rising superstar Cooper Flagg. The projection has immediately generated discussion among NBA observers as teams prepare for one of the most unpredictable drafts in recent memory.
While Dallas’ projected selection is attracting attention, the race at the very top of the draft remains just as fascinating. Salerno believes the battle for the No. 1 pick comes down to two elite prospects: Kansas star Darryn Peterson and BYU standout AJ Dybantsa.
According to the mock draft, the Washington Wizards are expected to select Peterson with the first overall pick. Salerno views Peterson as the best overall talent in the class despite differing opinions across NBA front offices. The Kansas guard’s scoring ability, offensive creativity, and franchise-player potential make him an appealing centerpiece for a rebuilding organization.
The Utah Jazz are projected to select Dybantsa at No. 2 overall. Long viewed as a legitimate candidate to go first overall, Dybantsa would represent a major addition for Utah. His connection to the state only adds another layer to the storyline after spending much of his high school career there.
At No. 3, the Memphis Grizzlies are projected to draft Duke freshman sensation Cameron Boozer. Despite entering the process as one of the most accomplished prospects in the class, Salerno believes Boozer has somehow become underrated during the pre-draft conversation.
Boozer’s versatility stands out among front-office executives. His combination of rebounding, scoring, and playmaking has many believing he could thrive immediately at the professional level. In many recent draft classes, his résumé would have been strong enough to justify consideration for the No. 1 overall selection.
The Chicago Bulls are projected to take North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson with the fourth pick. Salerno’s reasoning is simple: Chicago grabs whichever elite-tier prospect remains available. Wilson’s athleticism, defensive versatility, and long-term upside make him an attractive building block for the franchise.
At No. 5, the Los Angeles Clippers, using a pick acquired from Indiana, are projected to select Illinois point guard Keaton Wagler. His stock soared after a standout freshman campaign and a deep NCAA Tournament run that culminated in a Final Four appearance. Salerno also notes that the Clippers could become one of the more active teams in potential draft-night trade discussions.
The Brooklyn Nets are expected to select Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. at No. 6. Brown’s draft stock was temporarily affected by a back injury that sidelined him during part of last season, but if medical evaluations come back clean, Salerno believes he could emerge as the best point guard in this entire draft class.
At No. 7, the Sacramento Kings are projected to select Arkansas point guard Darius Acuff Jr. Salerno describes Sacramento’s interest in Acuff as one of the draft’s “worst-kept secrets.” His ability to create offense and orchestrate an attack makes him a natural fit for a franchise seeking a long-term floor general.
The Atlanta Hawks round out the top eight by selecting Houston guard Kingston Flemings. Known for his athleticism and two-way effectiveness, Flemings is viewed as one of the safest prospects available in that range. His ability to contribute immediately could make him a valuable addition for Atlanta.
Then comes Dallas and the selection that may end up being one of the most fascinating picks of the night.
Mara’s connection to Dusty May naturally stands out. During Michigan’s championship run, the towering center anchored the defense with elite shot-blocking and interior presence. At 7-foot-3, he possesses the size and defensive tools NBA teams covet in modern rim protectors.
While questions remain regarding his offensive development, scouts continue to be intrigued by his upside. If Mara can expand his offensive game and become a more reliable scoring threat, his ceiling could be significantly higher than where he’s projected to be drafted.
Salerno believes pairing Mara with Cooper Flagg could give Dallas a defensive foundation capable of competing with the league’s best teams for years to come. The familiarity between player and coach only strengthens the possibility.
The remainder of the first round features several notable projections. Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg is projected to the Golden State Warriors at No. 11, while Arizona guard Brayden Burries lands with the Oklahoma City Thunder at No. 12.
Washington forward Hannes Steinbach is projected to the Miami Heat at No. 13, followed by Michigan center Morez Johnson Jr. heading to the Charlotte Hornets at No. 14.
Other notable first-round selections include Duke guard Isaiah Evans to the Philadelphia 76ers at No. 22, Arkansas guard Meleek Thomas to the New York Knicks at No. 24, Kentucky center Jayden Quaintance to the Los Angeles Lakers at No. 25, and Iowa star Bennett Stirtz joining the Cleveland Cavaliers at No. 29.
The Mavericks are also projected to make another significant move later in the first round, selecting UConn center Tarris Reed Jr. with the 30th overall pick acquired from Oklahoma City.
As draft night approaches, speculation continues to intensify across the league. But with Dusty May now in Dallas and Michigan connections becoming impossible to ignore, Aday Mara’s name is quickly emerging as one of the most intriguing possibilities to watch.
If Salerno’s prediction proves accurate, the Mavericks may be preparing to add one of college basketball’s most imposing defensive forces and perhaps give their new head coach a familiar cornerstone to help shape the franchise’s future.
