“I am honored to join the Dallas Mavericks organization,” said May in a statement. “This is one of the most respected franchises in professional sports, with passionate fans, a talented roster, and a clear commitment to building a championship organization. I am grateful to Patrick Dumont, Masai Ujiri, and the Mavericks organization for this opportunity, and I look forward to helping bring another championship to the city of Dallas.”
May will inherit a team with a promising young centerpiece in Cooper Flagg and a savvy veteran in Kyrie Irving, a duo new president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri has said he wants to see on the court next season.
Ujiri led the coaching search with the assistance of new general manager Mike Schmitz.
“We set out to find a leader who embodies the values we want to define our organization,” said Ujiri in a statement.
“Dusty has won at every stage of his career because of his ability to build. He develops players, creates accountability, and brings people together around a shared standard of excellence. His work ethic is extraordinary, and his teams consistently reflect his values.”
May, 49, follows Ujiri’s track record of hiring coaches without previous NBA head coaching experience, but it’s the first time he’s hired a candidate from the college ranks. Both Nick Nurse and Darko Rajajovic were prominent NBA assistants before Ujiri hired them for the Toronto Raptors’ last two coaching vacancies.
“Dusty represents the type of leader we want guiding this franchise,” said Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont in a statement.
“His leadership style, ability to develop people, and championship mindset align with the vision we have for the Dallas Mavericks. We are thrilled to welcome Dusty, his wife Anna, and their sons Jack, Charlie, and Eli to the Mavericks family.”
By hiring May, the Mavericks have positioned him to be involved in several key decisions to be made over the next few weeks, starting with the draft. Dallas has two first-round picks Tuesday, Nos. 9 and 30, and No. 48 in the second round Wednesday.
Staff writer Mike Curtis contributed to this post.