With this season being derailed by injuries for the Dallas Mavericks, it may be time for the franchise to look ahead to the NBA Draft.
The future of the franchise is looming and the fanbase is starving for some optimism. Sporting News’ Gilbert McGregor put together an updated 2025 NBA Mock Draft. In his mock draft, the Mavericks are predicted to select guard Nolan Traoré from France.
“Traoré was a projected top-five pick early on in the process but saw his stock fall as he dealt with ups and downs associated with playing professionally as a teenager. Given where the franchise stands after a nightmarish campaign, Traoré is somewhat risky but has plenty of upside as the creator Dallas needs,” McGregor wrote.
As mentioned, this is a risky draft pick due to him being only 18 years old and already struggling with adjusting to the professional level of basketball. Going back near the draft last year, Jonathan Givony of ESPN reported that the teenage would forgo last year’s NBA Draft and stay in France. The kid has impressed scouts everywhere, including Givony, who watched Traoré galvanize scouts at the Hoop Summit in 2024.
“He posted 18 points and four assists in an impressive Hoop Summit showing against fellow projected top-five picks Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper and then broke the ANGT Finals record with an exhilarating 45-point outing in an overtime win over European powerhouse Barcelona in late May,” wrote Givony last year.
At 6’5, Traoré is one of the best combo guards in the draft. His biggest strength is running an offense in transition and utilizing his athleticism to create scoring opportunities for both himself and his teammates. Playing for the Saint-Quentin in France – Betclic Elite, he is averaging 10.8 points per game and five assists.
With his numbers being down, it is a bit of a risky move, but the kid has all of the potential in the world. As a late-lottery pick, he could end up being a great player to lead Dallas for the future.
MORE DALLAS MAVERICKS NEWS
Insane statistics from former guards makes the Mavericks trade deadline look somehow even worse
Lakers proposed acquisition sees Mavericks’ $40 million center land in Los Angeles
