The Dallas Mavericks head into the offseason with many questions at the guard position. For starters, Dallas must figure out their plan for Kyrie Irving. He can opt out of the three-year contract he signed with Dallas back in 2023. Assuming Irving does so, Dallas could be looking to sign him to a max three-year deal. While a new deal could be in place, the Mavs must be cautious with Irving as he is recovering from an ACL tear.
Another thing to consider is Brandon Williams's placement. Last season, Mavs fans became infatuated with him. He played 33 games for the team and started three games in place of Irving. Williams showed great poise and patience with the ball, using his speed and handles to create opportunities for Dallas. However, the Mavs must not overvalue Williams and insert him into a starting role. He is a good backup guard who shouldn't be gambled on.
One final thing to note is the NBA Draft. Dallas has the ability to solve their guard woes through the draft. The team received good news last month when it was announced that they have the 11th-best lottery odds. With the NBA Draft Lottery next Monday, fans hope the odds are in Dallas' favor.
Dylan Harper would become Mavericks' guard of the future
If Dallas were to get favorable odds and hop into the top two, one player they must consider is Dylan Harper. He is a savvy and smooth guard who could become the Mavs' guard of the future. Harper fits all the check boxes Dallas is lacking. It seems most likely that Harper will be selected with the No. 2 overall pick right behind Cooper Flagg, and while any Mavs fan would love to see Flagg in a Mavs jersey, Harper is arguably the better fit for the way the roster is constructed now.
For example, he is a great shot creator. Harper can shoot the ball well from all angles of the court. Last season, he excelled inside the arc, as he converted 59 percent of his shots. Overall, he shot 48.4 percent from the field. Some of Harper's shot attempts came at the rim, as he does a good job of pump-faking opponents.
However, he does struggle with shooting long-range shots. During the 2024-25 season, Harper made 33.3 percent of his 3-point attempts. He shot 12.5 percent from long range in Rutgers' final game. His shots felt rushed at times, as this would be something he needs to work on.
Offensively, he is a great ball handler. Harper reads defenses well, as he makes the right decisions and is unselfish with the ball. He excels in pick-and-roll situations and can use his high IQ to force defenders into tough decisions.
Harper is also very confident. He is the one player not afraid to take tough shots and make a name for himself. This is someone Dallas desperately needs, as the team must make up for Irving's absence. It's clear Anthony Davis can't do it alone. He showed that in the NBA Play-In Tournament, and giving him a guy like Harper would easily take the pressure off his shoulders.
Plus, Harper would make life easier for players like Klay Thompson and P.J. Washington. His speed and ball-handling ability would open up the offense more and allow for more shot opportunities. He would give other players the chance to be open for threes in the corner.
Also, Harper could replicate Luka Doncic's secret recipe. This means he could excel in providing more lob opportunities for Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford. As mentioned, he does well in pick-and-roll situations, and having his speed, athleticism, and passing could create a nasty monster down low when it comes to Lively II and Gafford.
Defensively, Harper doesn't get enough credit. His big frame allows him to fight for rebounds down low. Last season, he averaged 3.8 defensive rebounds and had eight total rebounds in Rutgers' final game. His size also allows him to guard anyone from the one to the four spot. This could come in handy for Dallas, as they would be able to move players around. Harper's size would also make things difficult for opposing guards, as he has a 6-foot-10 wingspan.
So, the answer is simple: draft Dylan Harper if you have the chance. Dallas desperately needs a guard to replace Doncic and make up for Irving's absence, and he would be in the rotation immediately. Harper has all the credentials to make things work. Plus, Dallas has the supporting cast to make his life easier.
Now, all Mavs fans need is the lottery to fall into their favor. Securing the No. 2 pick to draft Dylan Harper would be a dream come true, and he would undoubtedly be fighting with Cooper Flagg for the Rookie of the Year.
