The Dallas Mavericks are being largely ignored by the league's general managers as the 2026-27 NBA season approaches. The annual NBA GM survey, released just days before the season opener, shows the Mavs barely registering as a team to watch, despite a preseason that included a 132-115 win over the Houston Rockets on October 11. Their most recent outing was a 97-101 preseason loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on October 14.
The survey results offered little for Dallas fans. Second-year forward Cooper Flagg got a handful of votes in categories like 'player to start a franchise with' and 'most likely to have a breakout season.' New acquisition Zaccharie Risacher, acquired for a second-round pick and Ryan Nembhard, received a single vote for 'most underrated acquisition.' As a team, the Mavericks got just one vote to be the 'most improved' this year. That category was dominated by the Indiana Pacers. It's a stark assessment from the executives who shape the league.
This external skepticism comes even as internal optimism is high. Kyrie Irving is back from injury, and Cooper Flagg is expected to make a significant leap in his sophomore campaign. The team also has a new coaching staff and front office in place. The preseason provided mixed results, with that big win over Houston followed by a 117-135 loss to the same Rockets two days prior. The close loss to New Orleans showed some fight. The GMs' apparent lack of faith might fuel a chip-on-the-shoulder mentality in the locker room.
The Mavericks wrap up their preseason schedule with a home game against the Atlanta Hawks on October 16. It's the final chance to fine-tune rotations before the real games begin. After that, the focus shifts entirely to the regular season and proving the doubters wrong.
Building a cohesive unit with a new coach and integrating Risacher will be an early test. The Mavericks' success this season likely hinges on Flagg's development into a star and Irving's ability to stay healthy and dominate. If those pieces click, the single vote for 'most improved' will look very conservative by next spring. The team has the talent to crash the playoff conversation in a Western Conference that always has surprises.
