Overview
- Cooper Flagg emerged as the franchise focal point after a strong rookie year that earned him 2025–26 Rookie of the Year honors and averages near 21 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game.
- New president Masai Ujiri has reshaped leadership by parting ways with Jason Kidd and hiring Dusty May, and the coaching staff has signaled a clear priority on Flagg’s development.
- Kyrie Irving is recovering from a March 2025 ACL tear and is reported to be expected to start the upcoming season, but he has two years left on his deal and remains a possible trade candidate.
- Flagg and Irving have spent time together this offseason and Flagg’s trainer described a growing mentorship and on-court chemistry that the Mavericks hope to leverage.
- Outside evaluations remain skeptical about near-term success — Dallas went 26–56 last season and ESPN’s three-year Future Power Rankings place the team around the middle of the league — meaning roster moves by Ujiri will shape when the team can contend.