The Dallas Mavericks, holding the coveted number one pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, are preparing for a major transition following the loss of Kyrie Irving due to a torn ACL. After securing Duke phenom Cooper Flagg with the top selection, Nico Harrison and the Mavericks are now exploring additional first-round options to strengthen their roster, focusing on the team’s urgent need to fill the point guard position.
Flagg’s arrival marks what many see as the start of a new chapter for Dallas, aiming to offset the departure of superstar Luka Doncic. However, given the depth of talent available this year, Harrison is not content with just the first overall pick and is eyeing further moves to ensure the team has a reliable Kyrie Irving replacement plan in the NBA draft.
Strategies to Bolster the Mavericks’ First-Round Presence
With Kyrie Irving sidelined, the Mavericks face a shortage at the point guard spot and need a young player who can develop under Irving’s mentorship. Isaac Harris from Locked On Mavericks has highlighted potential prospects capable of contributing to Dallas’ guard rotation, assuming the team can secure additional draft picks through trades.
One of the top candidates Harris identifies is Jase Richardson from Michigan. Being the son of former Miami Heat forward Josh Richardson, Jase carries an NBA pedigree, although he is somewhat smaller in stature at 6’3″, which could be a vulnerability against larger opponents. Nevertheless, Harris notes that Richardson’s offensive skills, particularly his shooting and finishing at the rim, are noteworthy and comparably balanced for a player of his size.
“You look at all the offensive stuff and it’s pretty dang good. Like, I mean, this dude shot 41% from three, 45% catch and shoot shots. Um, you look at him finishing at the rim and you don’t want to compare anybody to Kyrie because anybody like no one is Kyrie Irving, but you get the little nod whenever you find players that are under 6’2 that can finish really well in the paint… So, he’s so craftier on the basket and I would love for him to like learn under Kyrie Irving and stuff yeah, just that part of his game and get make that even better,”
—Isaac Harris, Analyst, Locked On Mavericks
Trade Partners and Draft Opportunities
To obtain a player like Richardson, the Mavericks need to orchestrate trades, potentially targeting teams with multiple first-round picks. Harris points to the Brooklyn Nets, who hold four first-round selections this year, including the 19th pick. This position offers Dallas a safety net to select Richardson if he drops due to concerns about his size.
Harris also evaluates other potential teams to assist Dallas in securing meaningful selections. The Oklahoma City Thunder, with their currently deep roster, may be less willing to add several rookies, but the Atlanta Hawks, holding the 22nd pick, could serve as an avenue to draft in the late first round.
A backup plan involves targeting Walton Clayton Jr., the Florida Gators guard whose stock surged after a standout NCAA tournament performance that helped clinch a national championship. He is projected to go late in the first round, a range accessible to Dallas through trade arrangements.
“There are three teams I’m looking at. One, you have OKC… They have a stacked, loaded roster. Are they really going to add multiple rookies to this team again?”
—Isaac Harris, Analyst, Locked On Mavericks
“I was reading something about him and they described him shooting uh like he can shoot the ball in the foam booth. Uh basically meaning like it doesn’t matter how much space he has, he can get a shot off. I love, this is a weird thing, but I love how far off the ground he gets with his jump shots and threes and stuff. He’s just a bucket getter and he’s a winner and he’s confident and he has the clutch gene,”
—Isaac Harris, Analyst, Locked On Mavericks
Long-Term Significance of Draft Moves for Dallas
Securing Cooper Flagg already places the Mavericks on a promising new path after the Luka Doncic era, but Harrison’s intent on leveraging the draft depth to shore up weaknesses is critical. The point guard position remains thin with Kyrie Irving’s injury, and finding a talented young guard to develop is essential for Dallas’ offseason rebuild and long-term success.
The team‘s ability to negotiate effectively with teams like the Nets, Hawks, and potentially the Thunder, could determine whether they leave the draft with multiple immediate impact players. By obtaining additional first-round selections, Dallas not only gains roster flexibility but also cost-effective contracts, positioning itself for a hopeful future while navigating the current injury challenges.
Dallas’ aggressive stance in the draft reflects a determination to remain competitive and not merely settle for incremental gains. The moves orchestrated now will influence the franchise’s trajectory, potentially building a core that can succeed alongside Irving’s eventual return.
As the draft unfolds, the Mavericks’ bold approach to the Kyrie Irving replacement plans in the NBA draft will draw close attention, with fans and analysts eager to see if the front office’s calculated risks pay off in sustaining Dallas’ playoff aspirations amid uncertainty.