The Dallas Mavericks held their 2026 Media Day on September 25, setting the stage for a season aimed at major improvement. Coming off a 26-56 campaign and a recent stretch of 1 win and 4 losses, the team's last victory was a 149-128 offensive explosion against the Chicago Bulls on April 13, 2026. Under new leadership and with a revamped roster, players and coaches addressed the press before departing for the NBA China Games in Macao.
Team President Masai Ujiri and first-year head coach Dusty May are implementing a size-heavy system. The focus is squarely on building around reigning Kia Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg. Key storylines include Flagg's continued development, May's transition to the NBA, and the health of star guard Kyrie Irving. The return of center Dereck Lively II and the integration of rookie Morez Johnson Jr., drafted ninth are also central to the team's new identity.
Players expressed a unified sense of purpose. Naji Marshall, who signed a three-year, $52.2 million extension this summer, said the group is mentally in a good spot. "We put ourselves in a good spot to win some games," Marshall stated.
Forward PJ Washington spent his summer refining his three-point shot and playmaking. He also added strength in the weight room. Washington believes the team's positional versatility will be a major asset. "We have a lot of guys that can play multiple positions," Washington said. "I think it's going to push each and every one of us to be better."
Naji Marshall set a specific personal goal for his outside shooting. He worked extensively on his three-point accuracy over the break. "45% or better," Marshall declared. "High expectations. Set the bar high." He also observed that Kyrie Irving looks "beautiful" in his workouts and that Cooper Flagg is finding more comfort on the court.
Zaccharie Risacher, the number one pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, is eager to begin training camp with his new team. Acquired in an offseason move, Risacher emphasized his defensive focus and versatility. "Overall, I'm willing to do whatever it takes to win," Risacher said. He highlighted a productive summer trip to Los Angeles that helped build early chemistry.
Rookie Morez Johnson Jr. Joins his college coach, Dusty May, in Dallas. Johnson was a key part of May's national championship team at Michigan. His development will be watched closely as the Mavericks look to add young talent to their frontcourt rotation alongside Dereck Lively II.
The team's recent results, including losses to the Phoenix Suns (112-107 on April 9) and the Milwaukee Bucks (123-99 on April 1), show the need for change. A high-scoring 137-131 loss to the Golden State Warriors on March 24 showed offensive potential but defensive issues. The Media Day optimism is a direct response to that challenging finish.
The Mavericks are not shying away from last season's struggles. The 26-56 record and a difficult closing run that included a 129-111 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on March 17 are motivators. However, a 130-120 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 15 proved the team's capability.
With a blend of young stars like Cooper Flagg and established veterans like Kyrie Irving, the roster has a new dynamic. Coach Dusty May's system and President Masai Ujiri's vision for a bigger, more physical team will be tested immediately. The upcoming China Games against the Houston Rockets offer a first look at this new-look Dallas squad in action, as they aim to turn Media Day talk into regular-season wins.
