Arkansas' Meleek Thomas Teetering on the Edge of Being a First-Round Pick

While players like Cameron Boozer are getting all of the attention in 2026 NBA mock drafts, there are plenty of other players that also deserve a look.

One is Arkansas guard Meleek Thomas. While he’s not expected to go in the top 10, Thomas is on the bubble of making it to the first round, and his showing as Combine, with smooth shot-making and strong athleticism, certainly helped.

In a mock draft from NBC Sports published on Monday, May 18, Raphielle Johnson and Kurt Helin have Thomas going at No. 30 in the draft to the Dallas Mavericks. It’s worth noting that the next big date on the schedule is May 27, which is the withdrawal deadline day for college athletes who want to retain their eligibility.

More sports news: Knicks May Already Have a Mitchell Robinson Replacement Option

“The Mavericks are in a spot where they need scoring and perimeter shooting, even with Kyrie Irving returning from a torn ACL,” Johnson states. “Thomas, who shot over 41 percent from three as a freshman, fits the bill. He'll need to rein in the shot selection some, but the offensive upside makes him an intriguing option if available. Also, his timeline would align with Cooper Flagg's, which may be of high importance to new lead executive Masai Ujiri.”

More sports news: Pistons Could Ease Playoff Exit Pain With ‘High-IQ Player'

Why Meleek Thomas is a Win for the Mavericks

It’s always fun to see which player goes last in the first round, and if it’s Thomas to the Mavericks, it’s a move that would make sense. Thomas is a high-IQ basketball player with high shooting efficiency and a player known for sinking deep threes. He’s really one of the more underrated players in the draft, so if the Mavs get him in the last slot, then they’ll be lucky.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 1:09 PM.