The Dallas Mavericks are adding to their roster by selecting Virginia Tech forward Tobi Lawal with the 48th overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft.
Lawal played four years in college, his first two with VCU before transferring to Virginia Tech. This past season with the Hokies he averaged 12.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.
Lawal entered the 2025 NBA Draft, but opted to return for his senior season in Blacksburg. Gobbler Country contributor Bryan Manning praised Lawal, calling him
the “best player” on the Hokies’ roster and saying he is built for the way the NBA is played today.
“Before you think Lawal will not receive much NBA interest, he’s tailor-made for the current game. His length and athleticism are off the charts, and he’s an underrated outside shooter,” Manning wrote.
The second round is all about going for upside, and that’s exactly what the Lawal brings to the Mavericks. Dallas is starting a new chapter with new head coach Dusty May and building around reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg. Getting someone like Lawal in the building gives Dallas a player they can develop and grow into someone who could be in the rotation someday.
Barring another move, this should conclude the 2026 draft for the Mavericks, after drafting Morez Johnson Jr. with the ninth overall pick yesterday, and then trading up from 30 to snag international prospect Sergio De Larrea with the 25th pick. It’s a very on-brand draft for new head of basketball ops Masai Ujiri, who has always valued big, athletic, defensive-minded forwards and wings.
Mavs Moneyball community, how do what do you think about the team bringing Lawal in with their second-round pick? Should they have taken him, or gone with someone else? Start the conversation and let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
