This Duke star could change everything for Mavericks (and it's not Cooper Flagg)

The Dallas Mavericks are caught in a pickle on whether to continue to compete and push for a spot in the playoffs or pull the cord on this season in hopes of securing a decent draft pick in the lottery.

Fans were eager to get an update on Anthony Davis' return, and the latest update looks hopeful that he will return to the floor before the regular season ends. The only concern would be if Davis returning to the floor would be even worth it in the long run. With the Phoenix Suns' schedule looking very tough down the stretch, the Mavericks might squander a golden opportunity to have a shot at competing in the Play-In Tournament.

With the team barely reaching the number of players needed available, the concern of the Mavericks forfeiting games is suddenly becoming a real possibility. After what's been the weirdest season in Mavericks history, some fans are looking to the 2025 NBA Draft when it comes to how Dallas can improve their roster. Depending on how the cards fall, the Mavs have an opportunity for a new face to build around, and his name isn't Cooper Flagg.

Mavericks must draft Kon Knueppel to fix their biggest flaw

This would obviously depend on the cards falling in the Mavs' direction with a little bit of luck to go with it. Duke freshman Kon Knueppel has been one of the key pieces to the Blue Devil's incredible season, and he would be a dream fit in Dallas.

Knueppel is averaging 14.4 points a game along with four rebounds. His shooting numbers are on par as well, shooting 47 percent from the field and shooting over 91 percent from the free throw line. As someone who's known as playing second fiddle to Flagg, his resume already says that he can do otherwise when needed and run the show. With Flagg out of the ACC Tournament due to an ankle injury, Knueppel was leading the charge without Flagg in the lineup. He won MVP of the ACC Tournament and was awarded Second Team All ACC.

The horrendous Quentin Grimes trade is looking more laughable by the day, as Grimes has been going off for some of the best games in his career in a Philadelphia 76ers uniform. Grimes' absence has left a major hole in Dallas when it comes to their playmaking and scoring from the backcourt off the bench, and Knueppel's skills provide exactly what Dallas is lacking.

He is also a guy who plays bigger than what he looks like. At 6-foot-7, Knueppel provides guard-like skills while having the size of a wing. He makes all of the right plays while shooting smart shots within the flow of the offense. This type of player would thrive next to Kyrie Irving, and if the Mavs drafted him, Knueppel would get the chance to play big minutes right away with Irving set to miss multiple months after tearing his ACL.

Knueppel has become a centerpiece of a loaded Duke team, and it's obvious he'll be ready to transfer this same dominance to the league. As someone who presents himself as NBA-ready with his underrated body and size, he's someone who's an ideal fit right now for the Mavericks as someone to grow with.

Dallas likely won't have the chance to select in the lottery again anytime soon, and this year may be the perfect chance for them to land a player who can help them become a contender in the Western Conference again. Mavs fans know how much a player picked in the lottery can impact winning, as Dereck Lively II was a key piece in Dallas' run to the NBA Finals as a rookie, and they could have similar draft success again this summer depending on how they finish the season.

The Mavs will need some luck for Knueppel to fall into their hands, but if the chance is right there, Nico Harrison needs to capitalize on this opportunity. All signs are pointing to him being an outstanding role player in the NBA at the very least, and Dallas would be an outstanding fit for him on and off the court.