Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg looks on against the Los Angeles Lakers. Candice Ward-Imagn Images

Biggest Mavericks storylines to watch heading into training camp

Originally posted on Dallas Mavericks on SI
By Jeremy Brener | Last updated Sep 18, 2025 6:00 PM ET

The Dallas Mavericks are getting closer to the start of training camp, where the team will prepare for the season ahead.

Here's a look at four storylines to watch for the Mavericks going into training camp:

How Good Will Cooper Flagg Be?

Flagg is the one to watch for the Mavs going into the regular season. The No. 1 overall pick is expected to be the team's best player after Luka Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers last season.

It may take some time for Flagg to get situated in the NBA, but the Mavs should have their franchise cornerstone for the next several years. The team needs to find out what his baseline is going into the year to find out how much he can improve.

Can D'Angelo Russell Lead Offense?

With Kyrie Irving sidelined after tearing his ACL, the Mavs signed former No. 2 overall pick D'Angelo Russell to be the team's starting point guard for the start of the season.

The team's success could be based on how well Russell is able to set the tone of the offense. He needs to be able to get his teammates involved and his effectiveness in doing that will determine how strong the Mavs can be.

Who Will Be His Backup?

With Russell as the starter, questions linger as to who the backup point guard will be going into the season.

Dante Exum, Jaden Hardy and Brandon Williams are all candidates with rookie two-way player Ryan Nembhard also listed as an intriguing name. This could emerge into a training camp battle to watch and the player who performs the best in the next few weeks could be asked to have an expanded role.

Will Klay Thompson Step Up?

Thompson was a slight disappointment in his first season with the team, but the number of injuries and drama outside of the court overshadowed his production.

If Thompson is able to showcase a little more of his former Golden State Warriors self, he may be able to help the Mavs get back to the postseason.

This article first appeared on Dallas Mavericks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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