Louisville basketball hasn’t had a Cardinal drafted in the first round since 2017, when Donovan Mitchell was selected No. 13 overall, and hasn’t had a Cardinal selected in the top 10 since 1996, when Samaki Walker was selected No. 9 overall by the Dallas Mavericks. Well, that drought for both should end and is trending towards ending, as Mikel Brown Jr. is looking like a lock to be a top ten pick.
New NBA mock draft pairs Louisville guard with UNC star and Kentucky center
The Cardinals' 5-star freshman is coming off an All-ACC freshman year after averaging 18.2 points per game. Now, he is in Chicago at the 2026 NBA Draft Combine, as the freshman will try to impress scouts and climb up the NBA Draft boards.
When looking at who could potentially select Brown in the 2026 NBA Draft, a few teams come to mind, but Brown might have just pointed to his dream draft destination earlier this week.
Mikel Brown Jr. and the Mavericks suddenly feel like a perfect match
The Dallas Mavericks were the last NBA team to select a Cardinal in the top ten, and Brown might have just hinted that it is the team he is hoping to select him.
"Surreal, cause I think Dallas is the best city in the country," stated Brown Jr. in a recent interview. "It's my favorite city in the country. It would be great. I just love the vibe of Dallas. I have a lot of family in Texas as well, so that would be great. But every time I go to Dallas to play, I just love the city, I love the vibe, I love the people, the fans."
asked Mikel Brown Jr. if he got picked by Dallas, what that feeling would be like
— Isaac Harris (@IsaacLHarris) May 10, 2026
“Dallas is my favorite city in the country” pic.twitter.com/UzA8SBYgig
Right now, the Mavs have the No. 9 overall pick, and Brown is trending towards the 8-10 range. And while it seems he understands the Mavs are a team many mock drafts have him going to, he doesn’t hold back and makes it crystal clear he would love to play for the Mavs.
Brown would be a perfect selection for the Mavs, as the Louisville star would fit right in with Dallas, and he would be part of a dominant young core that also includes the Rookie of the Year and former Duke star, Cooper Flagg. And the big boost for Brown to get selected by the Mavs would ultimately mean he would be able to play alongside Kyrie Irving and would be able to develop under one of the best point guards in NBA history.
So, not only does Brown make it clear Dallas is a top priority for him because he “loves” the city, but when looking at the future with Flagg and the ability to grow and learn under Irving, it feels like a match made in heaven for the Louisville Cardinal.
Related: 3 most realistic landing spots for Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr. after NBA Lottery
For all the latest news and updates on Louisville basketball's offseason and recruiting, stay tuned.
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