Mavericks Eye 7-foot-3 Aday Mara at No. 9 After Dusty May Hire
Updated
Updated · CBS Sports · Jun 22
Mavericks Eye 7-foot-3 Aday Mara at No. 9 After Dusty May Hire
3 articles · Updated · CBS Sports · Jun 22
Summary
Dallas is projected to take Michigan center Aday Mara with the No. 9 pick, a move that gained traction after the Mavericks hired Wolverines coach Dusty May.
Mara's appeal centers on defense: the 7-foot-3 junior was one of college basketball's top shot blockers and anchored Michigan's national-title frontcourt.
The fit is notable despite Dallas already having centers Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively III, with Mara viewed as a potential defensive complement alongside Cooper Flagg if his shooting develops.
Trade scenarios still hover over the pick, with Marc Stein reporting talks about Dallas moving down with Oklahoma City, which holds Nos. 12 and 17.
The broader mock also floated Milwaukee using an extra No. 13 pick after a hypothetical Giannis trade and Minnesota jumping from No. 28 to No. 18 for Labaron Philon Jr.