The Dallas Mavericks are aiming for a playoff return after a busy summer of major changes. The franchise hired Masai Ujiri as team president and replaced head coach Jason Kidd with Michigan's Dusty May. This new leadership is tasked with building a winning roster around reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg. The team's recent form shows promise, having won their last two games to finish their previous stretch with a 2W-0D-3L record in their final five contests. Their last official result was a high-scoring 149-128 victory over the Chicago Bulls on April 13, 2026.
What changes did the Mavericks make this offseason?
The Mavericks executed a significant front office and coaching overhaul. Their most notable move was bringing in Masai Ujiri to serve as the team's president. Ujiri, known for his executive work elsewhere in the NBA, now leads Dallas's basketball operations.
On the bench, the team parted ways with head coach Jason Kidd. They hired Dusty May from the University of Michigan to take over. This shift indicates a desire for a new tactical direction. All these moves are designed with one primary objective: to maximize the potential of young star Cooper Flagg.
How is the team building around Cooper Flagg?
Cooper Flagg, the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year, is the central figure in Dallas's plans. The front office's activity this summer has been geared toward constructing a roster that better complements his all-around game. Flagg is entering his second professional season with heightened expectations.
The organization believes the new coaching staff and front office leadership will put him in a better position to succeed. The goal is to accelerate his development and turn his individual talent into team wins. Flagg's ability to score, rebound, and facilitate makes him a unique building block. You can track his progress and the team's performance on our [stats](/stats) page throughout the season.
What is the outlook for the 2026-27 season?
The early preview for the 2026-27 campaign is one of transition and hope. With a new president and a new head coach, the Mavericks are implementing a fresh philosophy. The core question is how quickly Flagg can elevate the team into a postseason contender.
The team's recent two-game winning run provides a sliver of momentum heading into the new year. However, converting individual talent into consistent victories remains the challenge. The Western Conference is always fiercely competitive, and Dallas will need its new pieces to gel rapidly. Fans can follow the team's journey through a tough schedule on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.
What are the biggest questions facing the new regime?
Several key questions define this new era for the Mavericks. First, how will Dusty May's collegiate coaching success translate to the NBA level? His offensive and defensive schemes will be scrutinized from opening night.
Second, can Masai Ujiri replicate the roster-building success he had with his previous franchise? His decisions on trades, free agency, and the draft will shape the team for years. Finally, all eyes are on Cooper Flagg's sophomore season. People want to see if he can make the leap from promising rookie to All-Star caliber player. The answers will determine if Dallas's ambitious offseason pays off.
