The Dallas Mavericks are entering the 2025-26 NBA season aiming to contend immediately while maintaining health throughout the year. Following their shocking decision to trade Luka Dončić at the 2025 trade deadline, Dallas made bold moves, highlighted by acquiring Anthony Davis to strengthen their roster and signal their championship ambitions.
The Mavericks also secured the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, selecting Cooper Flagg, a highly regarded prospect viewed by many as a future league star, further bolstering their rebuilding efforts into a potential title run.
Impact of Drafting Cooper Flagg on Dallas’ Title Prospects
Picking Cooper Flagg marked a turning point for Dallas as they shifted from rebuilding to genuine contention. Flagg provides the team with a young cornerstone to grow alongside established veterans. To solidify the backcourt, the Mavericks added seasoned guard D’Angelo Russell while their star Kyrie Irving continues recovering from a torn ACL.
This careful construction of the roster has placed Dallas in a prime position to challenge for the Western Conference playoffs. The combination of Davis, Flagg, and the additions in the backcourt has made the Mavericks a serious contender rather than a rebuilding team.
NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins highlighted the strength of the Mavericks’ frontline, saying,
“They arguably have the best front line in basketball in Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively, and Anthony Davis,”
Perkins said.
“And you throw in a sprinkle of P.J. Washington and Cooper Flagg. I think we forget, at times, how special and how dominant Anthony Davis could look when he’s healthy and available.”
—Kendrick Perkins, NBA Analyst
Health Concerns Surrounding Anthony Davis and Their Impact
The key uncertainty remains whether Anthony Davis can stay healthy enough to lead the Mavericks to a championship. Davis is undeniably one of the league’s most powerful two-way players when fit, offering scoring, rebounding, shot-blocking, and floor spacing. However, injuries have frequently limited his availability in past seasons.
With a fresh start in Dallas and a front office committed to surrounding him with complementary pieces, there is hope Davis will have a longer, more consistent impact. Meanwhile, Cooper Flagg’s rookie season is highly anticipated, and the depth provided by Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively adds size and energy to the frontcourt, with P.J. Washington contributing toughness and shooting ability.
Once Kyrie Irving completes his ACL rehabilitation and returns, the Mavericks could field one of the most balanced and formidable lineups in the Western Conference, combining youth and veteran experience.
Dallas has made some radical changes and taken significant risks, changing the trajectory of the franchise. If everything comes together, including an injury comeback for Anthony Davis, the Mavericks may progress from playoff hopefuls to genuine title contenders.