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2w ago

Dusty May Keeps Mavericks' Starting Five Fluid While Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving Are Set

May's lineup flexibility signals a matchup-driven rotation that will define camp roles, including who starts, how minutes are managed and the decision on Risacher's team option

Image
Jun 29, 2026; Dallas, TX, USA; New Dallas Mavericks’ head coach Dusty May, along side Masai Ujiri, Dallas Mavericks’ President of Basketball Operations, answers questions from the media during an introductory press conference at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
Mar 21, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) smiles for the fans during the second half of the game against the Detroit Pistons at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Jun 29, 2026; Dallas, TX, USA; New Dallas Mavericks’ head coach Dusty May answers questions from the media during an introductory press conference at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Dusty May said Thursday he does not expect to settle on a permanent starting five soon and is experimenting with multiple small- and big-lineup combinations.
  • Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving are treated as the only guaranteed starters while the other three spots remain contested in training camp.
  • Several frontcourt players have been limited in camp, with Morez Johnson Jr. on lower-leg soreness, Santi Aldama recovering from an arthroscopic knee procedure and Dereck Lively II still restricted after foot surgery.
  • Zaccharie Risacher faces an Oct. 31 team-option decision for a $17.4 million fourth-year contract after saying phone calls with Mavericks executives convinced him the team wants him.
  • Role battles are shaping rotations and minutes, with Naji Marshall at risk of moving to the bench and candidates such as Max Christie, PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford competing for starting minutes under May's culture-focused approach.