Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) poses during media day on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026 at American Airlines Center in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
The cast is largely the same, but the vibe is noticeably different.
Positivity was a primary theme Friday during Dallas Mavericks media day at American Airlines Center, a change of pace from the frustration and disappointment looming over the team the last two seasons. The gloom has lifted, at least for now, as the Mavericks look forward to a new era in the franchise’s history.
The front office, coaching staff and eight players are new, a mesh of characters who have already received a head start on building chemistry thanks to Kyrie Irving hosting a mini-camp in Los Angeles this month.
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Here are five of the most interesting moments from media day:
Ujiri seeks ‘joy,’ medical relief
Team president Masai Ujiri has a reputation for his intense desire to win, dating to his days as an executive in Denver and Toronto. He even mentioned his signature “We will win in Dallas,” slogan Friday, but when asked what would qualify as a successful season, the Mavericks’ new team president identified a different goal.
“Bringing joy back to basketball in this city,” Ujiri said. “That would be a success for us. And I know that’s going to take winning.”
After nearly ascending to the top of the basketball mountain with 2024’s NBA Finals run, the Mavericks rapidly descended to the bottom of the Western Conference standings, missing the playoffs each of the last two seasons. Losing All-NBA guard Luka Doncic and the failure of the Anthony Davis experiment played a factor, but the franchise has experienced immense injury misfortune — notably Irving’s torn left ACL and Dereck Lively II’s lingering right foot woes.
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Ujiri’s response was to hire Nico Berg as executive director of health and performance. The longtime physiotherapist has experience across the NBA, NFL and NHL, part of the reason Ujiri believes he’s the one for the job.
“Nico Berg is the right guy,” Ujiri said. “He runs his own clinic. He’s worked in the NBA before as a consultant. He knows NBA players. Lots of contacts. The patience. The hands. The person. The qualifications. We believe we got the right person.”
Dusty May wants to play fast with big group
The head coach could have his hands full with the distribution of minutes once games begin, since the Mavericks are primarily a team of forwards and centers. Despite the frontcourt logjam, May doesn’t share the philosophy that his players are landlocked into a traditional position.
“The game has moved so far away from forwards and centers and guards,” May said. “We want guys who play basketball well and efficiently, and I think we have a team that does that.”
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The Mavericks should be able to employ several combinations of lineups, given the roster’s versatility on both ends of the floor. Cooper Flagg can play anywhere from point guard to power forward. Irving proved himself as an elite combo guard during his first three seasons in Dallas. PJ Washington proved he could play anywhere from small forward to small-ball center. Naji Marshall has the ability to play on the ball despite his traditional position as a small forward. Even Morez Johnson Jr. has the capability to play power forward or center, although May admitted he’s not sure where he’ll begin his NBA career.
What May does know is he wants to play fast, crash the boards and take advantage of his team’s speed and athleticism.
“We have size, we have length, we have youth and good energy,” May said. “That naturally lends itself to playing in transition, and these guys have done well playing in transition to this point in workouts. Also dominating the glass.”
Irving has ‘no restrictions’
Irving’s return from ACL surgery and pairing with Flagg reigns as the primary storyline of the season.
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The 34-year-old will be 19 months removed from his last NBA game by the time the Mavericks open the season on the road in Houston. The nine-time All-Star has been cleared for basketball activities and doesn’t anticipate being limited during training camp or the preseason.
“No restrictions,” Irving said. “Obviously, there will be some conversations with the medical staff about back-to-backs and the quality of where I am, day-to-day, just being honest. Just having that fluid communication. That’s most important.”
Related: After 18 months away, Kyrie Irving returns to Mavericks with newfound perspective
Irving admitted he suffered multiple setbacks last season as he attempted to make a midseason return to help Flagg and the rest of the team compete, but he and the Mavericks deemed it best for his long-term health to prolong his return to this season.
“My injury was probably the best thing that happened to me,” Irving said. ‘I was obsessively looking at the craft of basketball and playing the majority of minutes. … I think we fell short of my goal, and the last year gave me a lot of time to reflect on where I want to be as a player, but most importantly, where I want to be as a man.”
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Flagg’s mini growth spurt
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) poses during media day on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026 at American Airlines Center in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Flagg confirmed an offseason rumor Friday about his height, revealing that he measured 6-10 without shoes during his physical Thursday. The reigning Rookie of the Year is listed at 6-9 on the Mavericks’ training camp roster, but Flagg does appear taller and bulkier than he did at the end of last season.
Having the extra muscle and height for his sophomore season should help the 19-year-old forward absorb contact, finish over defenders and get his shot off over smaller forwards and guards. He’ll also have the luxury of playing alongside Irving for the first time.
“He just makes it easy to play with him,” Flagg said. “He’s one of the greats in our game and he’s an incredible talent. But I think that, combined with his personality, makes it easy to fit next to and play with.”
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No timetable for Lively’s return
While optimism permeated most of the roster, the one murky area was the status of Dereck Lively II.
The 22-year-old center entering his fourth NBA season is still recovering from right foot surgery last December and has not been medically cleared for training camp.
During a Mavericks youth camp appearance in June, Lively revealed he had not progressed to running or jumping. On Friday, he said he is able to do both and is happy with his rehab process.
“I’m very grateful to the team for just giving me the ability to take my time and make sure I’m doing everything right and make sure I’m taking care of my body,” Lively said. “I’ve been running on the treadmill. I’ve been practicing jumps. I’ve been slowly getting back on the court.”
The Mavericks are being patient with Lively, who is eligible for a contract extension. When healthy, he’s a fierce talent because of his ability to catch lobs, finish at the basket with either hand and protect the rim. Despite his young age, he also possesses the maturity to help in the leadership department and gives the Mavericks a better shot at competing.