As the Dallas Mavericks usher in their Cooper Flagg era, franchise legend Dirk Nowitzki is bullish on their chances of capitalizing on their two-timeline strategy. Still, the Hall of Famer\u2019s optimism for the 2025-26 season hinges on one key factor breaking in Dallas\u2019 favor.<\/p>\n
Following their controversial roster shake-up at last season\u2019s trade deadline, the Mavericks stumbled to an injury-riddled 39-win finish, led by superstar significant man acquisition Anthony Davis. His co-star, Kyrie Irving, suffered a torn left ACL in early March, cutting the star guard\u2019s 14th campaign short and derailing the squad\u2019s playoff hopes.<\/p>\n
Dirk Nowitzki Highlights Key Question Facing Mavericks\u2019 Star-Studded Core<\/p>\n
Spearheaded by Davis and Irving, two injury-prone icons on the wrong side of 30, Dallas\u2019 future appeared in the air. Fortunately for the aspiring Western Conference contender, it lucked out in this year\u2019s NBA<\/a> Draft Lottery, securing the No. 1 pick to draft Flagg despite possessing slim 1.8% odds. The team\u2019s unexpected fortune has positioned it to compete now and in the years ahead, fueling anticipation for a potential bounce-back season.<\/p>\n During an appearance on Thursday\u2019s episode of the \u201cDLLS Mavs Podcast,\u201d Nowitzki was asked to share his thoughts on Dallas\u2019 new-look roster. The 2011 NBA champion raved about how lethal the unit can be, provided it avoids major injuries after Irving\u2019s projected midseason return<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cIf they\u2019re healthy, they\u2019re one of the deepest teams,\u201d Nowitzki began<\/a> (timestamp: 27:15). \u201cI mean, if you look at just the frontcourt, how it\u2019s loaded with talent, with players, the backcourt [too].<\/p>\n \u201cI think they have two to three players on every position, especially when Kyrie comes back, and I saw him on social media, he\u2019s already getting some shots up. So, you know he\u2019s going to take care of his body and do everything he can to be out there. So, once he comes back and he\u2019s the old Kyrie, this is a heck of a team that\u2019s super loaded, and the main thing is, can they stay healthy for the long run?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n