Dallas Mavericks announced the addition of 16‑year NBA veteran Garrett Temple to the coaching roster, pairing him with rookie Cooper Flagg for the 2025‑2026 season. The move signals a clear intent to blend experience with youth, aiming to lift a team that finished 12th in the West with a 26‑56 record.
Who is Garrett Temple?
Garrett Temple, now 40, spent his playing career across 12 franchises, logging 16 seasons of point‑guard duties. In his final stint with Toronto, he logged 0.8 points, 0.4 rebounds, and 0.4 assists per game, a modest line that belies his reputation as a locker‑room leader. Beyond the hardwood, Temple served as a long‑time NBPA vice president, earning respect from players and executives alike.
How will the new staff shape Dallas Mavericks' rebuild?
Head coach Dusty May arrives with a résumé that includes two NCAA championships at Michigan. He will be supported by former Pelicans head coach Willie Green as lead assistant, ex‑Grizzlies aide Joe Boylan, and player‑development guru Phil Handy. Together they form a staff designed to mentor a young core anchored by Cooper Flagg, the league’s 2025‑2026 Rookie of the Year candidate. May told ESPN that his dream of coaching in the NBA never materialized until now, and he’s ready to test his schemes against the league’s elite.
What does recent form suggest?
The Mavericks entered the season on a two‑game winning streak, but their overall five‑game stretch reads 2W‑0D‑3L (WWLLL). The latest result was a dominant 149‑128 victory over the Chicago Bulls on April 13, 2026. This snapshot hints at offensive firepower but also underscores defensive lapses that the new coaching crew must address.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Last result | Dallas Mavericks 149-128 Chicago Bulls (2026-04-13) |
| Recent form (last 5) | 2W-0D-3L (WWLLL) |
What comes next for Dallas Mavericks?
With Luka Doncic now on the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas faces a rebuilding window. The front office, guided by Masai Ujiri, hopes the Temple‑May partnership will accelerate development, especially in perimeter shooting and defensive rotations. If Flagg can translate his rookie accolades into consistent production, the Mavericks could climb back into playoff contention before the season’s end. The blend of veteran insight and youthful energy may prove the catalyst the franchise needs.