Tobi Lawal Drafted By Dallas Mavericks With 48th Pick

Peckham’s Tobi Lawal has taken the next major step in his basketball journey after being selected 48th overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2026 NBA Draft.

The 6ft 8in forward, who only started playing basketball at 16, has completed a remarkable rise from south east London to the NBA. Lawal came through the City of London Academy programme, featured at the Hoopsfix All-Star Classic in 2021, then moved to the United States via Lee Academy before playing college basketball at VCU and Virginia Tech.

His selection continues a strong run for British basketball prospects. Hoopsfix notes that Lawal is the seventh homegrown British player drafted into the NBA in the last 25 years, following Rob Archibald, Luol Deng, Joel Freeland, Ryan Richards, Jeremy Sochan and Amari Williams.

What could his Dallas role look like?

Lawal’s athletic profile makes the fit interesting. He gives Dallas a mobile forward who can rebound, run the floor and offer defensive energy — traits that can translate well in a limited NBA role if he earns trust quickly.

That said, the immediate minutes may be difficult. Dallas already has established frontcourt and wing options listed on its current roster, including players such as Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall, Caleb Martin and Khris Middleton. For a second-round pick, that usually means the first job is not to demand rotation minutes straight away, but to prove reliability in summer league, training camp and any early-season opportunities.

Our view is that Lawal could spend a meaningful amount of time with the Texas Legends, Dallas’ NBA G League affiliate, especially if the Mavericks want him playing regular minutes rather than sitting at the end of the bench. That would not be a negative step. For a player still relatively new to the sport, G League reps could be the quickest route to sharpening his decision-making, defensive positioning and offensive role clarity.

At Virginia Tech, Lawal averaged 12.3 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks across 23 games in 2025–26, shooting 54.2% from the field. If he can bring that rebounding motor and finishing ability into Dallas’ development system, he has a real chance to build an NBA niche.

For British basketball fans, this is another huge moment. Everyone at All Basketball UK wishes Tobi nothing but success, and we hope he goes on to become a name to be reckoned with in the NBA.

Image: Hoopsfix. Source notes: Hoopsfix report; NBA.com 2026 Draft order; ESPN Dallas Mavericks roster listing; NBA G League teams listing.