Mavericks hope Dusty May can work his college magic in NBA

Hiring college coaches in the NBA (and other pro sports) is frowned upon because it generally fails. The last college coach to take an NBA job was John Beilein with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2019. He resigned in February 2020 after going 14-40 and failing to connect with players. 

Other college coaches, however, have found success when jumping to the NBA. Former Butler Bulldogs HC Brad Stevens went 354-282 in the regular season and made seven playoff trips while serving as Boston Celtics HC from 2013-21. He has since moved to the Boston front office as president of basketball operations, helping the team win its 18th championship during the 2023-24 season.

The Mavericks hope May, 49, is more like Stevens. They need him to be to move on from the ill-fated Luka Doncic trade. Dallas dealt the guard to the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2025. In its full season without him since the 2017-18 season, the Western Conference squad went 26-56.

Luckily for the Mavericks, they won the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery and used the No. 1 pick on forward Cooper Flagg. He lived up to expectations this past season, winning Rookie of the Year. 

But outside of Flagg and guard Kyrie Irving, the Mavs aren't giving May much to work with roster-wise. And Irving may not remain in Dallas for long. Multiple teams are reportedly exploring trading for the one-time champion, whom the organization could use to acquire more draft capital. 

The Mavericks own two first-round selections (Nos. 9 and 30) in the 2026 NBA Draft but none in 2027. Nailing both of their choices this year would make life much easier for May.

May has just accepted one of the most challenging jobs in the NBA. It's a franchise with few assets, except for Flagg, and is still looking for a clear identity in the post-Doncic era. 

That said, the sharp basketball mind has pulled off remarkable turnarounds at the college level. Perhaps he can work his magic in the NBA. If he does, it will be his most impressive coaching job.