Imagine the Dallas Mavericks, just two years from now, assembling a young core that could dominate the NBA for a decade. A new mock draft suggests that dream could become reality. After landing the generational talent Cooper Flagg with the top pick this year, the latest projections have Dallas securing the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

According to Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley, that pick would be used on Kansas Jayhawks standout Darryn Peterson. The 6'6" guard is a dynamic scorer, averaging 20.2 points per game in his freshman season while leading Kansas deep into both the Big 12 Tournament and the NCAA Tournament. His blend of size, athleticism, and scoring punch has drawn comparisons to elite NBA guards.

For a Mavericks team currently in a rebuild, this would be a franchise-altering one-two punch. Pairing Peterson's explosive offensive game with the all-around brilliance of Cooper Flagg would instantly create one of the most exciting young wing duos in the league. It's a blueprint reminiscent of how Boston built its foundation with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

While the present may be focused on development, the future in Dallas could be incredibly bright. A core featuring Flagg, Peterson, and veteran leader Kyrie Irving would give the Mavericks a potent mix of youth, star power, and championship pedigree, setting the stage for a rapid return to contention in the Western Conference.