Stephen A. Smith makes bold championship call for Dallas Mavericks, says it depends on Anthony Davis

Smith thinks the Mavericks could become champions if they are healthy

Heading into the 2025-26 season, the Mavericks are playing their first full season without Luka Doncic. They pulled off that blockbuster trade to acquire Anthony Davis and Max Christie in return. That could be a trade they benefit from, as everyone seems to be healthy except for Kyrie Irving.

Since Irving is likely to return at some point in the 2025-26 season, the Mavericks could surprise people. Davis and Irving’s impact cannot be understated, as they have both won championships during their careers. They also have Klay Thompson, who is a fantastic off-ball shooter for their offensive potential.

Smith believes they are the star players who can propel the Mavericks to a championship. He labeled them as two of the must-watch NBA players of the season. With that, he also endorsed them as potential title contenders if they are healthy enough.

“Together, both healthy, with their A game. I would pick the Dallas Mavericks to win the NBA championship,” Smith said on First Take.

“If Anthony Davis brings his A game, the Dallas Mavericks will win the NBA championship. That’s a big if, it’s fluid. It can change, but it’s legit, and everybody knows it.”

“The one thing that we ain’t going to say about A.D. is the brother can’t play. We know better. That’s the list.”

The Mavericks also have a budding star

They have the defensive talent within their roster, headlined by Davis. However, they also have a promising player in Cooper Flagg, the 2025 Draft’s first overall pick. He has enough potential for people to say he is better than Victor Wembanyama.

He may not be ready for his biggest role yet, but he has the potential to help the team. With Davis mentoring him, he could immediately change the game for the Mavericks. He is only a teenager, but he has the potential and natural talent to contribute to a winning team.

Irving could serve as a mentor as he will spend some time on the sidelines with his injury. If the Mavericks can pick up these pieces and turn them into a winning team, they could have one of the league’s most unstoppable teams.

With a core of Davis, Irving, Thompson, and Flagg, they spell trouble for the rest of the league. It will be a challenging 2025-26 season, but the Mavericks have all the tools to contend for a title.