The Dallas Mavericks open training camp on Tuesday, September 29, aiming to rebound from a difficult stretch that saw them miss the playoffs twice since 2024. Their last outing was a high-scoring 149-128 victory over the Chicago Bulls on April 13, 2026, but their recent form of one win and four losses in their final five games highlights the challenge ahead. Defending Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg now holds the keys to the franchise, tasked with steadying a team undergoing massive change on and off the court.
Media Day kicks things off on Friday, September 25. Players can first report on September 28, with the first official practice set for Tuesday, September 29. The preseason schedule includes a two-game trip to Macao, China, to face the Houston Rockets on October 9 and 11. They'll then host the New Orleans Pelicans on October 14 and the Atlanta Hawks on October 16 at the American Airlines Center. Rosters are finalized on October 19. The regular season opens on the road against the Houston Rockets on October 21, with the home opener versus the San Antonio Spurs set for Saturday, October 24.
Kyrie Irving is expected to be fully healthy for camp after missing the entire 2025-26 season recovering from a torn ACL. His playmaking and scoring ability are needed to relieve pressure from Cooper Flagg. How their partnership develops will define the Mavericks' offensive identity and early-season competitiveness. Irving's future with the organization adds another layer of intrigue to his performance this year.
Center Dereck Lively II is still working back to full strength following two foot surgeries. He has spent nearly a year in a boot, on crutches, and away from significant basketball activity. Team president Masai Ujiri stated Lively has "made really good progress" through his recovery process. The 22-year-old is viewed as a core long-term piece alongside Flagg, but the team is being patient. "We're going to be patient... Until we get this right," Ujiri said.
A completely new basketball operations team is in place. Masai Ujiri is the president, Mike Schmitz is the general manager, and Dusty May is the head coach. Seventeen additional front-office moves round out the new decision-making group. May's coaching style and how he implements his system with this roster will be a major early storyline. Ujiri has already been active, reshaping a roster that saw seven players depart.
Six newcomers are on the roster, including three rookies. And in a familiar twist, veteran big man Dwight Powell is back after re-signing just before camp. The frontcourt will need contributions from these new faces, especially with Lively's status uncertain. The Mavericks' recent results, like the 112-107 loss to the Phoenix Suns on April 9, 2026, and the 123-99 defeat in Milwaukee on April 1, showed clear areas for improvement that this new group must address.
