The Dallas Mavericks are a team in transition, and while their 2025-26 season was a struggle, finishing tied for 11th in the Western Conference with a 26-56 record, the future holds promise. The centerpiece of their rebuilding effort is Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall draft pick from a year ago.
Flagg's rookie season was nothing short of impressive, as he clinched the Rookie of the Year Award and a spot on the All-Rookie team. Averaging 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, Flagg demonstrated a level of maturity and skill that suggests he's on the path to becoming a superstar and a first-team All-NBA player.
Flagg’s game is versatile; he’s a team-first player who can handle the ball, pass, and shoot with equal prowess. This ensures the Mavericks aren't at risk of becoming a one-man show.
However, for Flagg to truly shine, he needs a supporting cast that can step up in crucial moments. Enter Morez Johnson, the Mavericks' latest top draft pick.
Johnson, who played under new Mavericks head coach Dusty May at Michigan, brings a strong defensive presence and a relentless competitive spirit. At 6-9 and 250 pounds, Johnson’s physicality allows him to hold his ground against seasoned players, even if his college stats-13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game-aren't eye-popping.
Mavericks GM Mike Schmitz sees potential in Johnson beyond his defensive prowess. Schmitz praises Johnson's tenacity and rebounding, but also hints at untapped offensive potential that could make him an ideal partner for Flagg. "I wouldn’t put a ceiling on a 20-year-old with that rate of improvement," Schmitz remarks, noting Johnson's growth from a young freshman to a formidable player.
In addition to Johnson, the Mavericks have added Sergio De Larrea to their roster. Originally picked by the Lakers, De Larrea was traded to Dallas, bringing his 6-5 frame, quickness, and playmaking ability to the team.
While he’s a solid shooter, De Larrea thrives as a playmaker, fitting well with the Mavericks’ needs. His defensive skills are notable, and while he may require some time before becoming a regular contributor, his potential is evident.
Another intriguing addition is Lawal, a raw but athletically gifted 6-8 forward. Known for his defensive intensity from his time with the Hokies, Lawal's offensive game is still developing.
However, his ability to dunk and make plays around the basket provides a foundation to build upon. If he can develop a mid-range shot, Lawal could become a valuable asset for the Mavericks.
Finally, there's Ischenko, a sharpshooting guard who joined the Mavericks from VTB United. Standing at 6-3 and weighing 218 pounds, Ischenko boasts a 50 percent field goal percentage and an impressive 45 percent from beyond the arc. His shooting prowess earned him the Young Player of the Year Award in his league, marking him as a sleeper pick with the potential to make a significant impact at the NBA level.
The Mavericks are crafting a roster that blends promising young talent with strategic veteran presence, setting the stage for what could be an exciting next chapter in Dallas basketball.
In Other News...
Mavericks Suddenly Have A Bigger Daniel Gafford Dilemma Than Expected
Dereck Lively IIs recovery has become a quiet but important subplot for the Mavericks as they move deeper into the summer. Dallas entered the offseason with the idea that its center depth was manageable, but Livelys slower-than-expected progress has complicated that picture and forced the front office to think harder about how much pressure it can place on the middle of the roster.
That matters because it changes the calculus around Daniel Gafford, who had been a realistic trade candidate in a crowded frontcourt. If the Mavericks cant count on Lively to be ready for the start of the regular season, leaning on rookie Morez Johnson Jr. for meaningful minutes becomes a much tougher sell, and it could push Dallas toward other roster fixes instead, including a possible look at Marvin Bagley III or even a different trade path. [Read more 🡒]
Mavericks Just Ran Into A Daniel Gafford Decision They Can't Ignore
The Mavericks offseason has already brought a new coach in Dusty May and a fresh addition in forward Morez Johnson Jr., but the bigger roster question may still be the one sitting in the frontcourt. Daniel Gafford has been a useful piece for Dallas, yet his name has stayed in the trade conversation as the team weighs how to shape the roster around a new direction and a different kind of interior anchor.
What makes the situation tricky is that Gaffords market has not matched the kind of return Dallas would need to justify moving him. His offense has limitations, and his rim protection is not viewed as perfect enough to boost his value the way the Mavericks might want. With Dereck Lively II looming as a possible centerpiece of the front line, Dallas now has to decide whether Gafford fits the next phase or becomes a player they hold onto while waiting for the market to change. [Read more 🡒]
Mavericks Are Flirting With A Win-Now Move Cooper Flagg Doesnt Need
The Mavericks offseason conversation is already bending toward a familiar Dallas debate: how hard should a team push its chips in when the future is sitting right there on the roster? According to The Athletic, the club has shown trade interest in Kawhi Leonard, with a potential package built around P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson and draft capital, a kind of win-now swing that would certainly change the look of the roster in a hurry.
The hesitation is obvious. Leonard is on the back end of a massive deal and the timeline attached to him does not exactly match a front office that is supposed to be building around 19-year-old Cooper Flagg. Add in the risk of sacrificing useful rotation pieces and future flexibility for a star whose contract status leaves little long-term certainty, and the appeal of the move starts to look a lot less clean than it does on the surface. [Read more 🡒]