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Dirk Nowitzki says he has been impressed by what Kyrie Irving is doing already, gives him hope for Dallas Mavericks

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Pocholo Magsino | Last updated Sep 6, 2025 8:00 AM ET

Dirk Nowitzki is the Dallas Mavericks’ most iconic player, and he has continued to support the franchise beyond his retirement. While he loves Luka Doncic, Nowitzki is excited about the upcoming 2025-26 season.

After making the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Dallas Mavericks have been in an unusual position. They are good enough to be a title contender because of their roster, but some people are still overlooking them.

Franchise icon Dirk Nowitzki has no trouble being excited about his old team. With Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving leading the way, the Mavericks are in a good spot. They have a good roster around them with Klay Thompson and a rookie Cooper Flagg, who is a likely superstar in the future.

Nowitzki knows the Mavericks could surprise people in the 2025-26 season

The Mavericks won’t be completely healthy when the 2025-26 season starts. Irving is still recovering from a torn ACL, but he should return sometime in the season, which could propel them to title contention.

D’Angelo Russell should do a fine job conducting the team’s offense as the de facto starting point guard, even though fans dislike the signing. Jason Kidd is the head coach, so he will want to set his team up for success. Nowitzki trusts Kidd and the team to do well, especially with Davis and Thompson serving as leaders.

Flagg is also an exciting prospect for the Mavericks, as he has a stellar skill set. He has all the tools to become a star, as Blake Griffin called him a complete player. That is high praise and could pan out well for the Mavericks.

“If you look at the front court, it’s loaded with talented players. The backcourt, they have two to three players in every position, especially when Kyrie comes back,” Nowitzki said on the DLSS Mavs Podcast.

“I saw him on social media, and he’s already getting some shots up, so you know he’s going to take care of his body and do everything he can do out there. Once he comes back and he’s the old Kyrie, that’s a heck of a team that’s super loaded.”

The Mavericks have a bright future with this team

Nowitzki makes a great point with this team because they have a talented squad. They have rock-solid depth, which is impressive after the Doncic debacle earlier in 2025. General manager Nico Harrison has his wish of a defensive core, as this Mavericks team looks formidable.

They don’t have the generational Doncic anymore, but they have recovered well with the other players. Davis is no slouch, considering he is also a superstar who could compete for the MVP award. The only problem the Mavericks have is their injury history, particularly with Davis and Irving, who are cornerstones for this team.

Flagg is still a rookie, so he is unlikely to be an MVP-level player in his first year. However, the future is bright because he will take over as the team’s superstar in the long run. The 2025-26 season is already set to be a big year for the team, but it is even more promising with the current roster’s long-term potential with Flagg.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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