Dallas Mavericks fans are optimistic about the franchise's direction after a summer of major changes, according to a recent survey of over 800 supporters. The hiring of Masai Ujiri as president received overwhelming approval, while the team's current form shows promise with a 149-128 win over the Chicago Bulls on April 13, 2026, sparking a two-game winning streak.
How many games will the Mavericks win this season?
Most survey participants expect a significant improvement from last season's 26-56 record. Nearly two-thirds predicted the Mavericks will win 36 games or more this year. That represents at least a -win jump.
A lot hinges on the health and availability of star guard Kyrie Irving. By October, it will have been over 19 months since his last NBA game. Irving has played more than 65 games just once in the past eight seasons. When he's on the court, Dallas is a dangerous offensive team. When he's out, questions about shot creation and play finishing arise. Making the postseason, even via the Play-In Tournament, is seen as a realistic goal. You can track their progress on our [standings](/standings) page.
What did fans think of the Masai Ujiri hiring?
The move to bring in Masai Ujiri was met with strong enthusiasm. More than half of respondents said they "Loved it," and over a third "Liked it." Ujiri's track record of building playoff teams in Denver and Toronto, including an NBA championship, made him a popular choice.
The Mavericks spent six months searching for a new head of basketball operations after parting with Nico Harrison. The fanbase clearly believes the team got it right this time. Reporting indicated Dallas wanted an experienced leader, and Ujiri fits that description perfectly.
Did fans agree with firing Jason Kidd?
Ujiri's decision to fire head coach Jason Kidd, who had over $40 million left on his contract, spoke volumes about his new power. More than three-fourths of voters supported the move. Lingering questions about Kidd's involvement in the Luka Dončić trade likely influenced this strong sentiment.
In April, Kidd denied minority owner Mark Cuban's claim that he helped engineer the trade, saying he was "informed at the 11th hour." It was communicated that the choice to keep or fire Kidd was entirely Ujiri's call. Fans backed his decisive action.
What is the outlook for new coach Dusty May?
Enthusiasm for hiring Dusty May was more measured than for Ujiri, likely because May is a first-time NBA head coach. The concern about his transition from college is understandable, but the landscape has changed. College basketball now features players making millions, something May dealt with at Michigan.
The early returns are positive. The Mavericks' recent form shows two wins and three losses in their last five games (WWLLL). But they enter the new phase on a two-game winning run, including that high-scoring victory over the Bulls. May's system and his ability to manage NBA egos will be tested quickly as the season unfolds. Keeping an eye on the [fixtures](/fixtures) will show how his team responds.
