Kingston Flemings Is Already Looking Like a Problem for Teams Picking Before Dallas at No. 9

The NBA Draft Combine just wrapped up in Chicago, and if you've been sleeping on what went down during the evaluation drills, it's time to wake up. The Mavericks are sitting with the ninth pick, and there's a whole crew of elite guard prospects who could realistically still be available when Dallas is on the clock. But one kid from Houston just announced himself in a way that's hard to ignore.

Kingston Flemings Turned Heads With Numbers That Don't Lie

Kingston Flemings, measured at 6-2.5 barefoot with a 6-3.5 wingspan, lit up every drill he touched. The Houston guard absolutely demolished the 3-point star drill, finishing first out of 58 prospects with a 76.0% clip (19/25). That's the kind of shooting pressure test where guys fold, and Flemings was ice cold in the best way possible.

But here's where it gets interesting: he didn't just show up as a shooter. Flemings was second out of 59 in shooting off the dribble at 86.7% (26/30). His ¾ court sprint clocked in at 3.07 seconds, tied for second fastest among all 71 prospects. The pro lane agility drill, which tests lateral quickness and body control, had him tied for fifth out of 61. This kid can move.

Other Top Guard Prospects Show Different Strengths

Brayden Burries from Arizona measured at 6-3.75, 215.4 pounds, and proved he belongs in this conversation. He tied for fifth in the 3-point star drill at 68.0% (17/25) and showed serious range with shooting off the dribble at 70.0% (21/30). He tied for first in free throws at 100% (10/10), same as Mikel Brown Jr. from Louisville.

Brown, listed at 6-3.5 barefoot with a 6-7.5 wingspan, absolutely dominated the pro lane agility drill, finishing second overall at 10.57 seconds. That's elite defensive potential. His side-mid-side drill was impressive too, finishing fourth out of 59 at 70.4% (19/27). But his off-the-dribble midrange game needs work: he struggled there at 50.0% (15/30).

The first session also featured Darryn Peterson, Darius Acuff Jr., Labaron Philon Jr., Keaton Wagler, and Isaiah Evans, all guys who could hear their names called in the top 10 depending on how picks 1 through 8 shake out.

What This Means for Dallas

The Mavericks have options at nine. Flemings looks like the kind of guard prospect who could be there waiting, and his combine performance just gave them serious film to study. When the draft rolls around, Dallas will have a handful of elite perimeter scorers to choose from, depending on what happens in the picks ahead of them.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.