The Dallas Mavericks ended their season with a disappointing 26-56 record, leading to speculation about their future in the NBA. According to Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report's latest 2026 NBA Mock Draft, the Mavericks are projected to secure the No. 1 overall pick for the second consecutive year. This pick is expected to be used on AJ Dybantsa, a forward from BYU Cougars, who had an impressive college season averaging 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. The pairing of Dybantsa with young star Cooper Flagg could provide the Mavericks with a dynamic duo, reminiscent of the successful partnership between the Boston Celtics' Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. This combination could set the stage for the Mavericks to become a serious contender in the Western Conference, especially if Dybantsa performs well immediately and Kyrie Irving recovers from his ACL injury. The potential for a strong future has Mavericks fans hopeful for a turnaround.