A Mavericks Draft Pick Just Won a Title Before Playing a Single NBA Game

Sergio De Larrea got drafted by the Dallas Mavericks and basically woke up a champion. That’s not a bad Tuesday.

The Spanish guard was part of a three-team trade involving the Suns and Knicks on draft night. Hours later, the kid won the Liga Endesa title with his overseas club. The timing is almost funny if it weren’t so impressive.

“They called me at 6 in the morning, but I was asleep,” De Larrea said after winning the championship. “In a few hours, we’ll talk and see what decision we make.”

That quote came out via DAZN España, and it’s still unclear whether he’ll report to the Mavericks this summer or stay in Europe another season. Pre-draft buzz suggested he’d likely play overseas next year, but the Mavs could bring him over for Summer League at least. He’s got the skills to help in Dallas eventually, but this might be more of a draft-and-stash scenario for now.

The Mavericks already have another rookie who’s ready to go right now. Morez Johnson Jr. went ninth overall in the first round, and he’s the kind of immediate contributor the team needs alongside Cooper Flagg. Speaking of Flagg, the future is looking bright in Dallas. That core took real steps forward last season.

And let’s not forget the coaching change. Dusty May is now the head coach, and he fits what the Mavs are trying to build. Young system, young roster, long runway. If May can get this group to play together early, they could trend upward faster than people expect.

For now, De Larrea’s immediate future sits somewhere between a plane ticket to Texas and another season of European ball. Either way, he’s already got a championship ring somewhere in his luggage. Not a bad start.