The Dallas Mavericks are opening a new chapter, aiming to bring joy back to their fans after two tough seasons. With training camp underway and a preseason opener against the Houston Rockets on October 9, the franchise has reshuffled its front office, coaching staff, and roster to support rising star Cooper Flagg. The team's last outing was a high-scoring 149-128 win over the Chicago Bulls on April 13, 2026, but their recent form of 1 win and 4 losses highlights the need for a fresh start.
The organization has undergone a complete overhaul since the end of the 2025-26 season. Team president Masai Ujiri has led a reinvigoration of the basketball operations department. A new coaching staff led by head coach Dusty May is now in place, prioritizing player development and engagement. Roster additions have been targeted specifically to complement the skills of young cornerstone Cooper Flagg. Ujiri noted a palpable new energy around the team's facility and the city at large this offseason.
"We feel a new energy, we feel a brightness," Ujiri said. "We are trying to bring joy back to basketball in this city with this team." He praised the work of Coach May and his staff, who have been deeply involved with players throughout the summer. The team's activities included numerous workouts, camps, and community visits, fostering a stronger connection.
The last two years have been a struggle for the Mavericks and their supporters. The team has missed the playoffs in consecutive seasons following their 2024 NBA Finals appearance. High-profile moves, like the trade of Luka Doncic and the subsequent dealing of Anthony Davis, left a void and created frustration. Chants criticizing the front office became common at home games.
This season represents a critical first step in repairing that bond. While not yet seen as a championship contender, the focus is on establishing a positive identity and competitive spirit. The goal is to show tangible progress on the court and rebuild trust off it. Every player and coach is aligned with this mission, having put in significant work over the summer months.
The preseason will offer the first glimpse of the new-look Mavericks. Their schedule kicks off with a game against the Houston Rockets in China, with tip-off at 7:00 a.m. CST on October 9. The team will look to build on their last victory, that 149-128 result against Chicago, but must address the inconsistencies that led to losses like the 112-107 defeat to Phoenix on April 9 and the 123-99 rout by Milwaukee on April 1.
Ujiri humorously pointed out that the team "won every single game in the summer," but acknowledged that the real test begins now. Success will depend on improved defense, better ball movement, and Flagg's continued ascent. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matchups on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page. The recent results, including a 137-131 loss to Golden State and a 129-111 defeat by New Orleans, show there is plenty of room for growth in areas like perimeter defense and paint protection.
The foundation is being laid with a long-term vision. Cooper Flagg is the central piece, and all moves are designed to accelerate his development and maximize his two-way impact. The new front office structure aims for smarter roster construction and asset management. Creating a culture of hard work and accountability, as demonstrated by the intense offseason program, is a key priority.
This process is about more than just wins and losses in the immediate term. It's about restoring a sense of pride and creating a team that Dallas can enthusiastically support again. The journey back to contention starts with these foundational steps, both in the front office and on the hardwood.
