A former NBA front office executive sees a clear strategic vision for the Dallas Mavericks as they build around second-year star Cooper Flagg. The team is entering a new era with training camp beginning this weekend, following a season that ended with a 149-128 win over the Chicago Bulls on April 13, 2026, but also included a tough 1W-4L run in their final five games.
Former NBA executive Amin Elhassan recently broke down the Mavericks' plan on SiriusXM NBA Radio. He pointed out that the front office, led by Masai Ujiri and Mike Schmitz, is focused on surrounding Flagg with the right talent. This means acquiring players who can grow with the young star and help him succeed at the NBA level.
Elhassan, who worked for the Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks, and Phoenix Suns, understands roster construction. He believes the Mavericks are doing everything they can to empower Flagg, even if the plan is still in its early stages. The franchise has undergone significant changes across the front office, coaching staff, and roster since the end of the 2025-26 season.
A key part of the strategy involves managing veteran assets. Players like P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, and Caleb Martin all have multiple seasons left on their contracts. Elhassan noted they might not fit the team's new timeline centered on Flagg's development.
These veterans could be useful for a playoff team looking to add pieces near the trade deadline. Trading them could net Dallas more future assets, like draft picks or younger players. "You can see what Masai Ujiri and Mike Schmitz are building," Elhassan said. "That means we've got other guys who aren't bad players that have good contracts, but can help other teams, and with that we can continue to collect assets and continue to build this thing out."
Patience is required for this rebuild. Elhassan thinks the Mavericks are likely one more season away from seriously entering the playoff conversation in the Western Conference. The team's recent form shows the challenges, with losses to the Phoenix Suns (112-107 on April 9), Milwaukee Bucks (123-99 on April 1), and New Orleans Pelicans (129-111 on March 17) highlighting the gap.
"I think Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks are probably like a year away from us starting to actually pay attention to them," Elhassan stated. This timeline suggests the 2026-27 season is about growth and evaluation. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matchups on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.
The end of the 2025-26 season provided a mixed bag for Dallas. Their last result was a high-scoring 149-128 victory against the Chicago Bulls. However, their recent form over the final five games was 1W-4L, with the sequence being W-L-L-L-L when read from most recent to oldest.
Other results included a 137-131 overtime loss to the Golden State Warriors on March 24 and a 130-120 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 15. These scorelines illustrate an offensive team that can put up points but struggled with consistency on defense. Building a more complete roster around Flagg's two-way potential is the obvious next step.
Training camp represents the first official step into this new chapter. The organization has a defined path, focusing on asset collection and long-term development. Success won't happen overnight, but the blueprint from the front office is now becoming visible to outside observers.
