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The Dallas Mavericks, including rookie Morez Johnson Jr., met the media ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season Friday at the American Airlines Center.<\/p>\n
Enjoy our coverage of the Dallas Mavericks\u2019 media day, as players and coaches discussed the upcoming season with the press Friday before heading to Macao to face the Houston Rockets in the NBA China Games 2026.<\/a><\/p>\n Start at the beginning of the day\u2019s proceedings by clicking here.<\/a><\/p>\n Key takeaways from the 2026 Dallas Mavericks Media Day:<\/p>\n Under Team President Masai Ujiri and new coach Dusty May, the Mavericks are looking to build on a strong first season by reigning Kia Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg. SEPTEMBER 25 \/ 2:26 p.m. ET<\/p>\n The mindset of a 16-year vet<\/p>\n “This is just quite the reward.” \ud83d\ude4c<\/p>\n A first look at Kyrie at Mavericks Media Day as he prepares to return to the floor for the 2026-27 season! pic.twitter.com\/L7DObjkBeb<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) September 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n SEPTEMBER 25 \/ 2:22 p.m. ET<\/p>\n The Dallas debut of de Larrea<\/p>\n Former ACB Young Player of the Year Sergio de Larrea is eager to learn from Kyrie Irving, along with Cooper Flagg, as he adjusts to playing point guard in the NBA.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s perfect to have him to learn (from), and to try to evolve my game in that way,\u201d said de Larrea.<\/p>\n The team\u2019s emphasis on pushing pace will suit his game \u2014 it was a point of focus in his last Spanish season. His passing will help get the Mavericks open 3-pointers and deliver hot scorers opportunities, he said.<\/p>\n He follows in the tradition of great Spanish point guards like Ricky Rubio and Jos\u00e9 Calder\u00f3n. Sergio Rodr\u00edguez, a former Maverick, was also an inspiration growing up.<\/p>\n SEPTEMBER 25 \/ 2:14 p.m. ET<\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s a place made for players like me\u2019<\/p>\n Tarik Biberovic is excited to adjust to the style and pace of the NBA, as the Euroleague veteran brings his game to the Association.<\/p>\n \u201cMy dream was always to come to the NBA, and the Dallas Mavericks, they stepped up as an organization,\u201d said Biberovic. \u201cI\u2019m a lights-out shooter, as they say.\u201d<\/p>\n Biberovic said his teammates in Europe had encouraged him to make the jump, noting that his energy and shooting would translate, empowering him as he considered his future.<\/p>\n He enjoyed his first taste of barbecue, and laughed about the seriousness which he\u2019s been asked to judge it against Tex-Mex.<\/p>\n \u201cI like the restaurants, I like the food. The people are very welcoming,\u201d said Biberovic. \u201cThey love and care about sports here. It\u2019s been very nice.\u201d<\/p>\n Biberovic been a pro since the age of 14, spending eight years in the Euroleague.<\/p>\n SEPTEMBER 25 \/ 2:09 p.m. ET<\/p>\n John Poulakidas is ready to shoot<\/p>\n The departed Klay Thompson impressed with his \u201cvery short memory,\u201d John Poulakidas said, taking every rep seriously while remaining light-hearted.<\/p>\n The Yale graduate is on a two-way contract with the Mavericks, seeking to continue his growth as a player, which included shooting 40.3% on 5.9 3PA with the team last season.<\/p>\n Poulakidas and Thompson both had their moments, as they vied for supremacy as a pure shooter, he said. There was humility in the process of getting better each day \u2014 people are fighting and clawing for his spot in the league.<\/p>\n \u201cAt the same time, I\u2019ve come a long way from the Ivy League,\u201d said Poulakidas. \u201cIt\u2019s a bit of a dual perspective I have.\u201d<\/p>\n SEPTEMBER 25 \/ 2:01 p.m. ET<\/p>\n Dwight Powell in the spot<\/p>\n The 13-year NBA veteran signed with Dallas Friday<\/a>, joining the team ahead of training camp.<\/p>\n .@MavsMuse<\/a> this one\u2019s for you \ud83e\udef6 pic.twitter.com\/XCR3qkwIud<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Texas Legends (@TexasLegends) September 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Powell is fifth all-time in team history with 763 games played for the Mavericks. He also ranks sixth among the team\u2019s all-time rebounding leaders (3,251) and 10th in blocks (330).<\/p>\n SEPTEMBER 25 \/ 1:58 p.m. ET<\/p>\n \u2018I know what I am when I\u2019m playing with confidence\u2019<\/p>\n Caleb Martin said he\u2019s feeling healthy after missing the last month of the season, and ready for a clean slate with the squad.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m just grateful to be back in the position I am, and having another crack at it,\u201d said Martin. \u201cYou never take your time in the NBA, or playing basketball in general, no matter where you\u2019re at, for granted.\u201d<\/p>\n Kyrie Irving had been an example in recovering from injury, offering insight and humanity as Martin went through his struggles.<\/p>\n \u201cThese guys, they\u2019re superheroes to a lot of people. I\u2019m very blessed to be able to see the human side to him,\u201d said Martin. \u201cHe enjoys showing that, and being vulnerable, and giving people advice, letting them know \u2018it\u2019s normal, you\u2019re going to get through it,\u2019 and that helps a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n The team has \u201ca ton of potential,\u201d Martin said.<\/p>\n The new campaign feels like a boost of energy, he said, as the organization seeks to prove itself after transition and two down seasons. He\u2019s excited to play with Irving and see the team\u2019s growth.<\/p>\n \u201cKy\u2019s going to be the head of the snake, between him and Coop,\u201d said Martin. \u201cThey\u2019re going to be leading this thing, and we\u2019re going to do everything as a supporting cast to give them everything to make their jobs as easy as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n SEPTEMBER 25 \/ 1:53 p.m. ET<\/p>\n Lawal seeks to be a sponge<\/p>\n Tobi Lawal, the No. 48 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft out of Virginia Tech, is looking to pick up what he can in his rookie campaign as he travels between the Mavericks and Texas Legends on a two-way contract.<\/p>\n \u201cEveryone\u2019s got this one-track focus. They both demand the best of me,\u201d said Lawal. \u201cJust show up every day, have a great attitude, be a great teammate and work as hard as I can.\u201d<\/p>\n Sergio de Larrea had been talking trash about Spain\u2019s victory over Lawal\u2019s native England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Lawal said.<\/p>\n The London native is a Manchester United fan, following in the example of his mother, who supported them in his youth.<\/p>\n Basketball\u2019s becoming more popular in Britain, he said, especially with some native sons in the league, which includes Lawal, OG Anunoby and Amari Williams.<\/p>\n SEPTEMBER 25 \/ 1:48 p.m. ET<\/p>\n Cisse returns to the Mavericks<\/p>\n Moussa Ciss\u00e9, who put up 4.5 ppg and 5.7 reb over 13.9 mpg in 38 games the Mavericks last season, enters the season looking to find a spot in a crowded center rotation.<\/p>\n \u201cI love competition. I\u2019m not afraid of competition,\u201d said Ciss\u00e9. \u201cI feel like it\u2019s going to be better for us to keep pushing each other.\u201d<\/p>\n He\u2019s looking forward to playing with Kyrie Irving, as well as seeing him perform in person for the first time.<\/p>\n Ciss\u00e9 said the nine-time All-Star had offered guidance over the offseason, which he sought to take in as he approaches the new campaign.<\/p>\n SEPTEMBER 25 \/ 1:43 p.m. ET<\/p>\n Jett on the journey to Dallas<\/p>\n The No. 11 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Jett Howard moved to Dallas on a two-way contract in the offseason, as he seeks to find his place in the league.<\/p>\n His father, Juwan, spent two seasons in Dallas. Jett said he talks to him regularly, handing down the importance of following routine and being \u201csuper-regimented.\u201d<\/p>\n Over the years in the league, Howard said he\u2019s grown up fast. He\u2019s hoping to earn a role on the fluctuating team during training camp.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a dog-eat-dog world, so just approaching it, you\u2019ve got to compete every single day,\u201d said Howard. \u201cThe team, the camaraderie, that goes a long way.\u201d<\/p>\n SEPTEMBER 25 \/ 1:38 p.m. ET<\/p>\n Morez makes the leap<\/p>\n Morez Johnson Jr., the No. 9 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, said he was focused on doing his job each day, adjusting his workload for the pros and settling in to his new home in Dallas.<\/p>\n \u201cTime is moving pretty fast for me. I\u2019ve just been trying to enjoy where my feet are at, enjoy where I am in the present and get better every day,\u201d said Johnson Jr.<\/p>\n He said working with Dusty May is fun \u2014 he\u2019s easy to talk to, but knows how to become serious when the situation calls for it.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s just a great guy,\u201d said Johnson Jr. \u201cHe\u2019s honest all the time. I appreciate guys that are honest.\u201d<\/p>\n SEPTEMBER 25 \/ 1:28 p.m. ET<\/p>\n \u2018Coming back home to Dallas\u2019<\/p>\n A graduate of Red Oak High School in the Dallas suburb of Red Oak, TX, Marcus Sasser returns to the Lone Star State after being traded from Detroit, adding shooting to the roster.<\/p>\n \u201cI can self-create, shoot the ball well, defend at a high level, push the pace \u2014 just an energy bunny. Changing the game with a lot of momentum. Yeah, that\u2019s me,\u201d said Sasser.<\/p>\n Being home provides an advantage, Sasser said, putting a chip on your shoulder to represent your community and the chance to spend time with family.<\/p>\n Sasser noted Tyrese Maxey, Cade Cunningham, Daniss Jenkins, Ron Holland III and Jalen Wilson, among others, all come from the Dallas metroplex. The area produces \u201chigh-competitive, spirited\u201d players.<\/p>\n He hopes to learn from Kyrie Irving, a guard similar in size, and hone in on his creativity, both offensively and defensively.<\/p>\n SEPTEMBER 25 \/ 1:17 p.m. ET<\/p>\n Christie on the come up<\/p>\n Max Christie said he comes into the season in the best shape of his life, looking to be able to shoot on the move and lock down whoever the team needs on the defensive end.<\/p>\n \u201cIt just feels like a fresh start. It feels like we\u2019re all starting over, and turning over a new slate, a new sheet, and bringing that joy back for us, obviously, as a players, but for the city and for the fanbase as well,\u201d said Christie. \u201cThat all starts with winning\u2026 but I think we\u2019re on a good track.\u201d<\/p>\n The home opener against the San Antonio Spurs, scheduled for Oct. 24, should be a game worth circling on the calendar, Christie said.<\/p>\n SEPTEMBER 25 \/ 1:02 p.m. ET<\/p>\n Gafford rocking the bald look<\/p>\n Responding to the wisdom of Father Time, Daniel Gafford showed up to Media Day with a freshly-shaved head.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m trying to maintain it, so if there are any people out there that are rocking the cueball, I\u2019ll definitely take any tips and tricks,\u201d said Gafford.<\/p>\n “Father Time\u2026 He definitely came for me.” \ud83d\ude05<\/p>\n Daniel Gafford at Mavericks Media Day on his decision to cut his hair during the offseason! pic.twitter.com\/4EPWW3blgC<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) September 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n He\u2019s feeling good, having fun with the game and seeking to play a full 82 games for the team after dealing with nagging injuries last season.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m just trying to take that next step as a player \u2014 build my craft, be somewhat of a leader, not necessarily vocally, but with my work ethic,\u201d said Gafford. \u201cLife happens, and it comes at you fast\u2026 I felt like I was at my worst last year, and piggybacking off the question about the bald head \u2014 it\u2019s just cutting off my past.\u201d<\/p>\n Gafford said he was trying to learn from Irving\u2019s perspective, riding through the inconsistencies and struggles of life to wake up ready to attack new challenges and opportunities each day.<\/p>\n \u201cAs long as you\u2019re grateful to be alive, to open your eyes on a day-to-day basis, that\u2019s really just, I\u2019d say, the main thing, so I implement that into the basketball side,\u201d said Gafford. \u201cIt was a lot last year. It was a lot of negativity\u2026 It was a lot of self-doubt\u2026 I\u2019m just trying to be the best I can be on a day-to-day basis.\u201d<\/p>\n The team feels invested in the new campaign, Gafford said.<\/p>\n SEPTEMBER 25 \/ 12:53 p.m. ET<\/p>\n Washington from range<\/p>\n PJ Washington said he had worked on his 3-point shot and playmaking over the summer, as well as spending time in the weight room, as he enjoyed the time in his native Texas and at Irving\u2019s home in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n He surprised students at Stafford Middle School in Frisco, TX, where he grew up, and took part in a profile by Haute Magazine.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cI got a lot of deja vu\u2026 all the same smells, everything looked the same.\u201d \ud83e\udd79\ud83d\ude05<\/p>\n At Mavericks Media Day, PJ Washington reflects on visiting his middle school over the summer and surprising students!<\/p>\n (\ud83d\udcf9 via @dallasmavs<\/a>) pic.twitter.com\/1Hc5t82sTS<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) September 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cWe have a lot of guys that can play multiple positions, a lot of guys that can look good in different spots on the court,\u201d said Washington. \u201cI think it\u2019s going to push each and every one of us to be better.\u201d<\/p>\n SEPTEMBER 25 \/ 12:46 p.m. ET<\/p>\n \u2018More of a foundation\u2019<\/p>\n Naji Marshall, fresh off signing a three-year, $52.2 million extension<\/a> this summer, said the players and coaches were on the same page entering the season.<\/p>\n Over the years in Dallas, he said he built bonds with a variety of teammates, helping play the cards they were dealt, and built a comfort in the moment that continues into this year.<\/p>\n \u201cI just feel like we\u2019re in a really good spot. I hope we can stay here mentally, and everything can be as joyful as it is right now for the rest of the season,\u201d said Marshall. \u201cWe put ourselves in a good spot to win some games.\u201d<\/p>\n Irving looks the same in his workouts, Marshall said, and Flagg has gained comfort in finding his spots on the floor.<\/p>\n “It was beautiful.”<\/p>\n At @dallasmavs<\/a> Media Day, Naji Marshall describes offseason workouts with Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg and his excitement about Kyrie’s return to the court in the upcoming season \ud83d\ude4c pic.twitter.com\/9MbWbpYPoR<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) September 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n The team should be better at moving the ball, communicating on defense and using their noticeable length on the court, Marshall said.<\/p>\n He worked on \u201cnothing but net\u201d 3-pointers this summer, which should be an opportunity to raise his level this year.<\/p>\n \u201c45% or better,\u201d said Marshall. \u201cHigh expectations. Set the bar high.\u201d<\/p>\n Peace peace peace \ud83e\udd1e#MFFL<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/VnTy0aNMgB<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) September 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n SEPTEMBER 25 \/ 12:33 p.m. ET<\/p>\n \nZaccharie Risacher reaches a new home\n<\/p>\n The No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, who arrived via trade from Atlanta, said he was \u201csuper-excited\u201d for training camp to begin as he continues his NBA journey.<\/p>\n The team\u2019s summer trip to Los Angeles had been a pleasure, he said, allowing them to build chemistry that should serve them well.<\/p>\n Risacher said he hopes to bring versatility to the team, including a focus on defense, rebounding and running hard in transition, as well as shooting from the outside.<\/p>\n \u201cOverall, I\u2019m willing to do whatever it takes to win,\u201d said Risacher. \u201cBeing able to be myself for the team, for the organization, is going to be a big thing.\u201d<\/p>\n SEPTEMBER 25 \/ 12:26 p.m. ET<\/p>\n Aldama on his new squad<\/p>\n Santi Aldama said he was excited to play with fellow Spanish countryman Sergio de Larrea, noting the two are friends, along with Flagg and Irving.<\/p>\n The trade from Memphis had \u201chappened super-fast,\u201d he said, creating a whirlwind of a summer.<\/p>\n His wife has a special fondness for Dallas \u2014 it was the first place she visited with him on the road, a common subject of conversation and somewhere that always felt like home.<\/p>\n People have been welcoming in his new city, he said.<\/p>\n \u201cHappy to be here, and happy to help in any way, shape or form,\u201d said Aldama.<\/p>\n Aldama said his status for training camp had yet to be determined as he recovers from right arthroscopic knee surgery.<\/p>\n SEPTEMBER 25 \/ 12:17 p.m. ET<\/p>\n Lively II on his recovery<\/p>\n Dereck Lively II said he had gained muscle and lost fat during his injury rehab, riding a bike, running on the treadmill and swimming to get his body right.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s been a lot of focus, a lot of days in the gym. A lot of hard days working,\u201d said Lively II. \u201cThere have been ups-and-downs, trying to keep my focus on what I can control, not worry on things I can\u2019t control, and just having trust in my team.\u201d<\/p>\n Lively II said he was grateful to be able to spend time with his young daughter, noting it would become rarer as his career continues.<\/p>\n He\u2019s slowly made his way back on the court, working on his shot, feel and enjoying the time with teammates and staff as he gets back into his NBA routine. Kyrie Irving had been of particular help as he navigated the process, he said.<\/p>\n “I’ve been leaning on him a whole lot\u2026 He’s so wise.” <\/p>\n At Mavericks Media Day, Dereck Lively II talks about the support he received from Kyrie Irving while they both work their way back from injury \ud83e\udd1d pic.twitter.com\/YhcjGwo7CE<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) September 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThe more you dive into (basketball), the more you love it. It\u2019s a game \u2014 the more you study it, the more you\u2019re going to learn about yourself, and learn about what you can do,\u201d said Lively II, noting it had taken him across the country, and now across the world to China.<\/p>\n The team is \u201csick of the last two years,\u201d he said, and focused on returning to winning ways.<\/p>\n SEPTEMBER 25 \/ 12:06 p.m. ET<\/p>\n The Flagg flies higher<\/p>\n Cooper Flagg said he had spent the summer recovering and working on the aspects of his game, growing about an inch in the process to reach 6-foot-10 without shoes.<\/p>\n “Maybe I’m 6’11”, I don’t know.” \ud83d\ude0f<\/p>\n At Mavericks Media Day, Cooper Flagg answers a question about him potentially growing an inch this offseason! pic.twitter.com\/TfpBd0NaSS<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) September 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n He built confidence in his handle, shot and finishing, and now seeks to carry an aggressive mindset into the season. Losing last year had been difficult, but allowed him to learn to adapt in real time.<\/p>\n Flagg said he was \u201cindecisive\u201d on taking shots at times during last season, noting he had passed up natural looks from beyond the 3-point arc, but had worked on it in the offseason.<\/p>\n As he enters his second season, Flagg said he felt more prepared and experienced, instead of going into each new scenario anew.<\/p>\n He shouted out his supporters in Maine, noting that they had buoyed him, and said he wants to play more golf with his teammates, describing it as a sport he loves and a chance to connect with others.<\/p>\n SEPTEMBER 25 \/ 12:03 p.m. ET<\/p>\n Irving on partnering with Flagg<\/p>\n New coach. Coach Dusty May, Cooper Flagg, and Kyrie Irving are ready for the upcoming season \ud83d\ude24 pic.twitter.com\/h8NPNlkVLH<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) September 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Cooper Flagg has carried a lot as a young player, demonstrating wisdom beyond his years and an \u201cold soul,\u201d Irving said.<\/p>\n The 19-year-old is comfortable in any room he steps into and makes an impact on every possession, said Irving.<\/p>\n Irving said it\u2019s very easy for them to play together, noting the natural chemistry between high-level basketball players.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s a great human,\u201d said Irving. \u201cHe\u2019s going to lead this franchise into the future.\u201d<\/p>\n Flagg mentioned that same ease as well, noting Kyrie\u2019s status as one of the greats of the game.<\/p>\n KYRIE: “He deserves a lot of the praise he’s gotten.”<\/p>\n COOPER: “Obviously, he’s one of the greats.”<\/p>\n At Mavericks Media Day, Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg exchange compliments for one another as they prepare to share the court together for the first time in the upcoming season! pic.twitter.com\/nlO3NBuuFc<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) September 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n SEPTEMBER 25 \/ 11:53 a.m. ET<\/p>\n Kyrie on his health<\/p>\n Irving noted there had been conversations about playing back-to-backs, but said there were no restrictions on his health going forward as he returns from a torn left ACL.<\/p>\n \u201cComing back from a traumatic injury is not the easiest thing to overcome, but no excuses. I was built for this at a very young age,\u201d said Irving. \u201cBeing able to put it in perspective\u2026 getting past the mental hurdle of the fear, the scary moments, of \u2018am I going to be back the same? Am I going to be better?’\u201d<\/p>\n He said that the injury had allowed him to rejuvenate, reflect and learn about healing, noting that the physical toll of the game had been wearing on him before he went down.<\/p>\n In this stage, Irving said he could start \u201cacting like my age, finally,\u201d as he enters his 16th NBA season at age 34. The 18 months off should be a valuable rest, he said.<\/p>\n The chance to help coach his teammates came naturally, he said, but the season away was tough.<\/p>\n \u201cThe biggest learning lesson was: what does patience look like when you really want something?\u201d Irving said. \u201cGiving my teammates grace. We have a lot of young guys, including Cooper, that have a world of talent, but need that guidance, need that leadership, and I feel I tried to fill in that void as much as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n SEPTEMBER 25 \/ 11:49 a.m. ET<\/p>\n \u2018Finding guys that complement each other\u2019<\/p>\n May said the coaching staff was working to blend the talents of the roster together.<\/p>\n He noted the importance of finding three-man units that work well together, allowing for flexibility as the team addresses the different styles and moments of NBA games.<\/p>\n Asked about Max Christie and Morez Johnson Jr., May emphasized that both bring versatility.<\/p>\n \u201cI think we have a team that\u2019s going to compete. I think we have a team that\u2019s going to be extremely connected, and when our fans leave the building, they\u2019re going to be even bigger fans, because of how relatable (they are), how they communicate with each other,\u201d said May.<\/p>\n The keys to basketball at any level include finding groups that punch above their weight, winning on the margins and riding through the stress and demands of a long season, he said.<\/p>\n SEPTEMBER 25 \/ 11:41 a.m. ET<\/p>\n Dusty May on hiring Willie Green as lead assistant<\/p>\n Green, a Michigan native, hooked up with May over a round of golf in the summer. They have known each other for a few years, and the chemistry was there.<\/p>\n May credited Green\u2019s efforts as head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans, noted he had led them to the Playoffs despite injury issues.<\/p>\n SEPTEMBER 25 \/ 11:35 a.m. ET<\/p>\n The team\u2019s identity<\/p>\n Ujiri said the team sought to bring in players that fit with Coach Dusty May, creating a dedicated, team-focused structure around athletes that can attack the basketball and pass, surrounded by shooters.<\/p>\n \u201cWe like those big, long players that are going to attack the basket, offensive rebound. We like shooters \u2014 it\u2019s where the game is going,\u201d said Ujiri. \u201cPassing becomes very important for us, and playing with each other, and a winning mentality. We want these players to have a winning mentality, and you try to get players that have that to fight in games, because it is a lot of games, and it changes every day. Teams do many different things, and we have to be creative, you have to bring players that actually suit that.\u201d<\/p>\n The trip to Macao will help build the team camaraderie and learn together, Ujiri said, helping educate and enrich their lives.<\/p>\n May said early practices had been focused on learning about the players and watching them play in small groups. He dismissed the idea that the team had too many power forwards, noting the game has moved away from firm positions.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have size, we have length, we have good energy, so that naturally lends itself to playing in transition,\u201d said May. \u201cAnd also dominating the glass.\u201d<\/p>\n The team\u2019s rotation is still in flux, May said.<\/p>\n SEPTEMBER 25 \/ 11:32 a.m. ET<\/p>\n Patience with Lively II<\/p>\n Dereck Lively II hasn\u2019t begun running on the court, but has shown good progress recovering from surgery on his right foot.<\/p>\n The team is happy with his effort and will demonstrate patience as he makes his way back, Ujiri said, noting Lively\u2019s 7-foot-1 frame and size.<\/p>\n SEPTEMBER 25 \/ 11:29 a.m. ET<\/p>\n \u2018Generational talent\u2019<\/p>\n Cooper Flagg shows uncommon maturity for a 19-year-old, Ujiri said, working out with the team all summer and dedicating himself in the gym.<\/p>\n \u201cFor a 19-year-old to think like this guy, play like this guy, I think the sky\u2019s the limit. It\u2019s generational talent that we\u2019re blessed to have here,\u201d said Ujiri. \u201cThat\u2019s why we want to bring joy back here. We want him to grow the right way, have the right support in this organization, and play with that feeling, have nothing on his shoulders but basketball and winning\u2026 We\u2019ve seen that start to happen in the summer.\u201d<\/p>\n May credited Flagg\u2019s ability to read defenses as a young player, but said his success will likely rely on his teammates, as is common in the game.<\/p>\n SEPTEMBER 25 \/ 11:26 a.m. ET<\/p>\n Masai on Kyrie\u2019s status<\/p>\n Ujiri said Irving has \u201cbeen nothing but a leader\u201d for the team this offseason, including organizing multiple camps and practices for the squad.<\/p>\n Kyrie is \u201cright there\u201d in terms of health, but hasn\u2019t played any competitive NBA basketball yet, Ujiri said.<\/p>\n SEPTEMBER 25 \/ 11:19 a.m. ET<\/p>\n Masai shares his vision<\/p>\n Team President Masai Ujiri opened Friday\u2019s proceedings with some overarching thoughts on Mavericks basketball and the season ahead.<\/p>\n \u201cWe feel a new energy. We feel a brightness \u2014 not only with the team, not only with the people around, but just in general in basketball. We are trying to bring joy back to basketball in this city with this team. With Dusty, the coaching staff, they\u2019ve been nothing but very engaging, participating with\u2026 players being around, in the city, workouts, the camps they\u2019ve done,\u201d said Ujiri. \u201cThere\u2019s a vibe and an energy that we are all feeling, and we hope that it\u2019s going to translate to good basketball, winning, the right attitude. What we want to do is show a lot of respect for the game, how the game is played \u2014 played with joy \u2014 and win.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe want to win in Dallas, and we will win in Dallas,\u201d said Ujiri. \u201cThis is the beginning. Basketball is starting.\u201d<\/p>\n SEPTEMBER 25 \/ 10:51 a.m. ET<\/p>\n Check out the conversations<\/p>\n The Dallas Mavericks\u2019 YouTube account has you covered for all the insight from today\u2019s media session. Watch the stream here.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n SEPTEMBER 25 \/ 10:30 a.m. ET<\/p>\n Dusty brings the energy<\/p>\n Get a feel for the Mavericks\u2019 new head coach with this mic\u2019d up look at some summer fun in Dallas.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n SEPTEMBER 25 \/ 10:15 a.m. ET<\/p>\n Raising the Flagg<\/p>\n Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, entered the Association with aplomb.<\/p>\n He led the team in total points (1,473), rebounds (466), assists (316), and steals (84) in his first season, becoming the second rookie in league history to top his team in all four categories, joining Michael Jordan (1984-85).<\/p>\n Along the way, he set the all-time scoring record for a teenager by dropping 51 points<\/a> against the Orlando Magic on April 3, 2026.<\/p>\n Earlier in the season, before turning 19, Flagg also broke LeBron James\u2019 scoring record for an 18-year-old by putting up 42.<\/a><\/p>\n He was six days older than James when he took home Kia Rookie of the Year (19 years and 112 days to 19 years and 106 days), becoming the second-youngest player to earn the award.<\/p>\n
\nBeset by injuries, the Mavericks went 26-56 in the last campaign, earning the ninth pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, which they used to take Morez Johnson Jr., one of May\u2019s national championship-winning players at Michigan.
\nMajor storylines discussed Friday include: Flagg\u2019s development, Kyrie Irving\u2019s leadership and recovery from injury, the transition to a size-heavy approach under Ujiri, May\u2019s coaching style, the competition for roles on a shifting roster and the camaraderie of a new team as the organization reboots.
\nWatch the full press conference here.<\/a><\/p>\n
New duo.<\/p>\n