Overview

• Klay Thompson told reporters at media day he believes Dallas can win the championship once Kyrie Irving is back from his left‑knee ACL tear.
• Kyrie Irving discussed steady progress in rehab and declined to set a return date, saying he prefers not to risk setbacks by targeting a specific game.
• Head coach Jason Kidd pushed back on talk that Irving is ahead of schedule and avoided projecting any timeline for a comeback, according to Heavy.
• FanDuel lists Dallas 14th in title odds at 40‑1, reflecting a crowded Western Conference led by the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder and other contenders.
• The Mavericks open Oct. 22 at San Antonio with a roster featuring Anthony Davis, top pick Cooper Flagg, Thompson, Dereck Lively II and P. J. Washington as they aim to stay competitive until Irving returns.