The Dallas Mavericks are entering the 2025-26 NBA season amid significant uncertainty following the controversial trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite this upheaval, there is considerable optimism surrounding the team, largely because of the presence of Anthony Davis, who remains one of the most dominant players in the league when healthy. Kendrick Perkins, former NBA player and current ESPN analyst, emphasized Davis’s importance during an appearance on the Road Trippin’ Podcast.
People are sleeping on Anthony Marshon Davis Jr. He’s going to be on a mission. Folks better watch out for AD,
— Kendrick Perkins, ESPN Analyst
The Impact of Rookie Cooper Flagg on Dallas’s Future
The Mavericks’ narrative for the upcoming season is further shaped by the addition of Cooper Flagg, the top pick in the draft. Flagg is widely regarded as a rising star who could quickly make his mark in the NBA. His arrival has brought renewed excitement to the Mavericks’ fan base and the league alike. While much focus has been on Flagg’s potential, the critical role Anthony Davis is expected to play in the team’s development remains central. The combination of Davis’s veteran presence and Flagg’s youthful talent sets Dallas up as a promising pairing capable of competing strongly in the Western Conference.
Challenges Without Kyrie Irving at the Start of the Season
The Mavericks will face one of their toughest hurdles as Kyrie Irving will miss a large portion of the beginning of the season. Head coach Jason Kidd’s team must adapt without Irving’s star power early on. Despite Doncic’s departure and Irving’s absence, the NBA schedule reflects a vote of confidence in Dallas’s relevance this season. The Mavericks are slated to begin play on October 22 against the San Antonio Spurs and will have several high-profile nationally broadcast games, including one on opening night and another on Christmas Day. These matchups signify that the league still views Dallas as an engaging and competitive team.
Potential for Dallas to Become a Surprising Contender
While the Mavericks may not be an immediate threat to dominate the Western Conference, the situation could shift substantially once Irving returns. With a highly motivated Anthony Davis, an influential rookie in Cooper Flagg, and several young players developing on the roster, Dallas could evolve into a formidable challenge for any opponent. Kendrick Perkins highlighted the dangers of underestimating Davis, stressing that those who overlook his impact do so at their own risk.
If the star stays healthy and the team finds its rhythm, Dallas has everything it needs to become one of the biggest surprises of the 2025-26 NBA season.
— Kendrick Perkins, ESPN Analyst
The season ahead offers the Mavericks an opportunity to rewrite expectations. Should Davis maintain his form and Flagg realize his potential alongside the returning Irving, Dallas could quickly shift from a team in transition to a serious contender in the NBA landscape.