This week\u2019s poll question centered on preseason expectations with the three players I consider most important to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2026-27 season: Cooper Flagg, Kyrie Irving, and Sergio De Larrea.<\/p>\n
Cooper Flagg played in both Macao games against the Houston Rockets where he had one fine game and one very good game, each in limited minutes. Kyrie Irving played in just one contest so far and looked electric. As of this writing, he\u2019s yet to play at the American Airlines Center but might play tonight against the Atlanta Hawks (by the time you\u2019re reading this, that game will be over). Sergio De Larrea\u2019s played in all three games and has looked great.<\/p>\n
After our poll, fans seem to agree that De Larrea has outperformed any expectations so far in preseason. Acquired in a weird draft-night trade with both the Knicks and the Lakers, the tall and skinny point guard was a welcome surprise to a team that needed (and still needs) playmakers.<\/p>\n
Sergio performed well at Las Vegas Summer League, but I am betting most fans tuned out after Morez Johnson couldn\u2019t play the first two games (and the second was bad). Given how the Mavericks are built at the moment, De Larrea has that rare blend in front of him of opportunity and talent to actually join the Mavericks regular rotation. If you map out who might be playing where and for how long in the upcoming season, it looks hard to slot him in, but I think his shooting and floor vision force the issue. I can\u2019t wait to see what he does given the chance.<\/p>\n
On the national front, the SB Reacts poll had to do with guessing the future MVP.<\/p>\n