Key Questions the Dallas Mavericks Face Ahead of the 2025-26 Season

The Dallas Mavericks are entering a transformative season. Following the February trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers and brought in Anthony Davis, the franchise has restructured its identity around defense, flexibility, and internal development. With Kyrie Irving still recovering from a torn ACL and top pick Cooper Flagg fast-tracked into a major role, Dallas is no longer built around a singular offensive engine but around depth, adaptability, and balance.

For the Mavericks to compete in a crowded Western Conference, their roster’s X-factors — the rising contributors, developing shooters, and defensive tone-setters—must deliver. This gives insight into how sports betting platforms are treating Dallas this year.

Anthony Davis Anchors New Identity

Since his blockbuster arrival, Davis has fundamentally reshaped the Mavericks’ frontcourt. His rim protection, rebounding, and scoring versatility filled a glaring void. In just nine regular-season games with Dallas, he averaged 20.0 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. That production culminated in a 40-point, 9-rebound performance in the Play-In Tournament against Memphis.

Now healthy and entering his first full training camp with the Mavericks, Davis is expected to serve as the cornerstone of their defense and interior offense — a key stabilizer until Irving returns.

Alongside Davis is Daniel Gafford, who earned a three-year, $54.4 million contract extension this summer. He’s coming off a career-best season, averaging 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks on 70.2% shooting. His rim-running and shot-blocking give Dallas a powerful complement to Davis, particularly in two-big lineups.

Dereck Lively II’s Development Under the Microscope

The Mavericks’ frontcourt depth hinges on Dereck Lively II, now entering his third NBA season. After averaging 8.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.6 blocks across 36 games last year, a right ankle stress fracture cut his season short. He underwent a minor procedure this summer to remove bone spurs but is on track for full participation.

With Dončić gone, Lively must now adapt to new playmakers like Davis and Flagg. In training camp, the Mavericks have the option to experiment with pick-and-pop actions and trail jumpers. Entering the NBA, many have praised his ability to hit jump shots, which could become vital to maintain vertical spacing, particularly if Dallas commits to extended two-big combinations as expected.

P.J. Washington Steps Into Stability Role

Entering his second full season with the Mavericks, P.J. Washington has remained one of the team’s most reliable two-way players. Over his final 20 games, he averaged 16.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, shooting 41.2% from beyond the arc and defending multiple positions.

Washington spent plenty of time at small forward after Davis’ arrival in Dallas. His ability to guard multiple positions, space the floor, and play off the ball makes him a valuable connector between the frontcourt and backcourt. With D’Angelo Russell and Flagg likely initiating much of the offense, Washington’s catch-and-shoot reliability, timely cutting, and unselfish decision-making should help Dallas maintain offensive flow while maximizing its size advantage. His versatility allows the Mavericks to field bigger, more physical lineups without sacrificing perimeter balance or defensive agility.

Cooper Flagg’s Expanded Role Starts Early

Flagg’s development is being fast-tracked — and not quietly. The No. 1 overall pick showed off his upside in Summer League with a 31-point outing before being shut down as a precaution. The Mavericks plan to use him early as a point forward with real on-ball responsibility.

With Irving sidelined, Flagg will initiate offense in transition, operate out of the high post, and function as a secondary creator. Dallas is embracing his “failure reps” early in the year, trusting his poise and basketball IQ to accelerate his readiness. His ability to defend without fouling, attack closeouts, and make timely reads could fast-track a move into the starting lineup by midseason.

Kyrie Irving’s Return Will Define the Ceiling

Irving’s absence looms large. Before tearing his ACL late last season, he averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists on 49.1% shooting across 52 games. He signed a three-year, $119 million extension this offseason, signaling the franchise’s belief in his long-term role.

A tentative return timeline points to January or February, but Dallas has emphasized a cautious approach. If Irving returns near peak form and meshes with Davis, Flagg, and the new rotation, the Mavericks have the potential to climb into the top half of the Western Conference. If not, offensive creation and late-game execution may remain challenges early.

D’Angelo Russell Takes the Early Controls

With Kyrie Irving sidelined to begin the season, Russell is expected to open the year as the Mavericks’ starting point guard. Signed using the taxpayer mid-level exception, Russell brings steady experience and offensive versatility to a team in the midst of a stylistic shift toward ball movement and backcourt size.

In 58 games last season, Russell averaged 12.6 points, 5.1 assists, and 2.8 rebounds while shooting 39.0% from the field and just 31.4% from three-point range — numbers that underscore both his ability to contribute and the need for more efficiency. He’ll be tasked with initiating offense in the half court, finding bigs like Davis, Lively, and Gafford in pick-and-roll actions, and complementing emerging playmakers like Flagg.

Russell’s skill set allows him to operate on or off the ball, making him a flexible fit alongside hybrid creators such as Flagg and Washington. For Dallas, the key will be whether he can hit catch-and-shoot opportunities, limit turnovers, and defend well enough to stay on the floor against elite backcourts. If he does, Russell could serve as a stabilizing presence in the early months — and maintain a long-term role even after Irving returns.

Guard Depth Remains a Quiet Question

With Irving unavailable and Russell starting at point guard, the Mavericks have limited proven depth behind them. Danté Exum remains unsigned after fracturing his hand in April, though the team has left the door open for a possible reunion amid an agreement on a one-year contract worth the veteran’s minimum. When available last season, Exum provided timely defense and ball movement.

Brandon Williams, who flashed scoring upside in limited minutes last year, and two-way guard Ryan Nembhard, a disciplined playmaker from Gonzaga, are among the internal options being considered for reserve guard duties. The Mavericks are likely to experiment with non-traditional creators — including Flagg and Washington-to buy time until Irving returns.

Can Max Christie or Others Break Out?

Max Christie, acquired in the Dončić deal, is one of the most intriguing developmental wild cards. Reunited with assistant coach Phil Handy — a key mentor from his time with the Lakers — Christie has impressed with his defensive activity and positional size. At 6-foot-5 with good lateral mobility, he could emerge as a trusted option on the wing in addition to Klay Thompson and Washington.

Along with having Naji Marshall, Caleb Martin is an option to re-enter the rotation after battling a hip injury last season. Known for his perimeter defense and toughness, Martin’s return gives Dallas another tool in defending the league’s elite wing scorers. The internal development of Christie, Martin, and Flagg will be vital as the Mavericks aim to build a wing core that can withstand the playoff demands of the West.

Dallas Mavericks Are Betting on Balance

This season, the Mavericks are embracing a new, more collaborative identity, shedding the days of total dependence on a singular superstar orchestrator. With Davis anchoring the frontcourt, Irving’s eventual return, and a rising group of contributors led by Flagg, Lively, and Washington, Dallas is aiming for lineup versatility and two-way consistency.

If the group stays healthy and grows together, it could prove far more matchup-resistant than previous iterations. Whether that vision comes to fruition may hinge less on Davis or Irving and more on whether the X-factors around them deliver.

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