The Dallas Mavericks enter the 2026-27 NBA season as one of the league's most unpredictable teams, a reality showed by their recent 149-128 win over the Chicago Bulls on April 13, 2026. Their recent form of two wins and three losses in their last five games perfectly captures the volatility surrounding this roster. With a new coach, key players returning from injury, and a mix of proven veterans and promising young talent, the Mavericks could legitimately compete or pivot toward a developmental year.
The core of this uncertainty lies in the roster's construction. Kyrie Irving is back, and even coming off an injury he remains a top-tier point guard and playmaker. Cooper Flagg is entering his second season after a historic rookie campaign, potentially rising into the NBA's top 25 players. That duo provides a fascinating foundation.
Surrounding them is a blend of reliable veterans and potential breakout candidates. P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, Naji Marshall, and Santi Aldama offer stability. Meanwhile, younger players like Max Christie, Marcus Sasser, and Zaccharie Risacher are poised to take a significant leap. Rookie Morez Johnson Jr. Could make an immediate defensive and offensive impact under his former college coach, Dusty May.
If Irving returns to All-Star form, Flagg improves again, and a couple of the supporting cast break out, this team could be very good. But that's a big 'if' given the many new pieces.
The opposite path is just as plausible. Dallas has a fairly new-look roster and a first-year head coach in Dusty May trying to integrate everything. If the team struggles early, the front office may face a tough decision.
Selling off veteran assets could quickly transform the season's focus. The priority would shift to player development, with younger players getting major minutes and wins becoming secondary. This scenario was hinted at during a recent tough stretch, including a 139-120 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on April 11.
Their recent results show this Jekyll and Hyde nature. After a 134-128 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on April 5, they dropped games to the Orlando Magic, LA Clippers, and Phoenix Suns. The 149-128 victory over Chicago snapped that three-game skid, but inconsistency remains the theme.
That enormous range of possibilities is what makes Dallas so compelling to watch. They could emerge as one of the NBA's surprise playoff teams. They could also pivot hard toward evaluating their future core. Most likely, they'll land somewhere in the middle.
Variables like health, coaching adjustments, and the growth curve of their young players will determine their final destination. Few teams have more potential directions than the Mavericks do right now. Fans can track the team's progress through the season on our [standings](/standings) page.
The final games of the previous season, including the 112-107 loss to Phoenix and the 116-103 defeat by the Clippers, showed both promise and clear areas for growth. With so many moving parts, the 2026-27 campaign will be a defining one for the franchise's trajectory.
