Nov 17, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) moves the ball around Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

'They Still Beat Them' – Dallas Mavericks Named as Threat to NBA Champions By ESPN Analyst

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Aug 19, 2025 10:10 AM ET

The Dallas Mavericks will look different heading into the 2025-26 NBA season. All-Star guard Kyrie Irving won’t be available for most of the campaign, as he’s recovering from a torn ACL injury. That’s why the point guard duties will be on D’Angelo Russell, who signed a two-year, $13 million contract this summer. The Mavericks will also feature Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 pick of this year’s draft.

But the biggest change for the roster heading into next season will be the absence of Luka Doncic, who was traded last season to the Los Angeles Lakers. It’s still hard for most fans, but it’s the reality of the franchise.

However, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith believes that the Mavericks can still pose as a threat in the Western Conference. Smith specifically mentioned the current NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, as a team that could experience difficulties facing Dallas.

The NBA analyst appeared as a guest on “Gil’s Arena,” where he said that the Dallas Mavericks could prevent the Thunder from winning a second title. Smith also mentioned another Texas team, the Houston Rockets.

“I view Dallas as a pre-eminent threat because they’ve always got OKC’s number…If you look at them last year, even when Luka was down, they still beat them. Oklahoma City running through everybody except Dallas. They run into Dallas without Luka,” Smith said.

Last season, the Mavericks and Thunder faced each other four times. However, OKC only had one win over them in their season series. Despite the fact that the team is built differently, Smith thinks the results will be comparable the next season.

Former Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler revealed his reaction to the Doncic trade

Feb 4, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic poses for photos with general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

One could say that the world stopped when the Dallas Mavericks did the unthinkable and traded Doncic to the Lakers. NBA fans were stunned, players were confused, and no one knew why the Mavericks did it.

In a recent interview with Eurohoops.net, former center for Dallas, Tyson Chandler, revealed his thoughts on the shocking trade.

“I was just as surprised as the rest of the world with the trade. I think it will end up working out for both sides, you know, in the long run. But I was just surprised, clearly,” the 2012 Defensive Player of the Year said.

Chandler has been part of the coaching staff for the Mavericks since 2021. Despite being employed by the corporation, he was also taken aback by the choice to let go of the Slovenian star.

Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before a game against the Dallas Mavericks in Dallas on Wednesday. Image Credit: Sam Hodde / Getty Images

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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