Walking into the American Airlines Center this preseason feels different—and not just because of that familiar Texas heat. Last year, everything was new: new coach, new system, new expectations. But as Luka Dončić mentioned in a recent interview, "This year, it’s not new. So now, I come with a little bit better foundation of understanding what it looks like and feels like." That sentiment resonates deeply with me as I break down this roster. There’s a tangible sense of continuity, of building on what we started, rather than starting from scratch. And honestly, that’s the kind of stability that can turn a promising team into a legitimate contender.
Let’s start with the obvious—Luka Dončić. At just 24 years old, he’s already a four-time All-NBA First Team selection, averaging a staggering 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game last season. Those numbers aren’t just MVP-caliber; they’re historic. But what excites me most isn’t the stat line—it’s the maturity. Luka’s conditioning looks improved, his decision-making in clutch moments sharper. I’ve watched him evolve from a dazzling rookie to the undisputed leader of this franchise, and this season, I expect him to take that final step into the pantheon of all-time greats. He’s not just playing basketball; he’s orchestrating it.
Then there’s Kyrie Irving. Look, I’ll be honest—when the Mavericks acquired him mid-season, I had my doubts. The fit felt awkward initially, and the defensive liabilities were glaring. But the duo of Luka and Kyrie ended up posting an offensive rating of 118.7 when sharing the floor—a number that would’ve ranked top-three in the league overall. Kyrie brings a creativity and shot-making ability that’s simply unparalleled. His handles, his finishing at the rim, his fearlessness in big moments—it’s artistry. And now, with a full offseason to gel, I think we’ll see a backcourt that’s not just explosive, but synergistic.
The frontcourt is where things get really interesting for me. Dereck Lively II, the rookie out of Duke, has already shown flashes of being the defensive anchor this team has desperately needed. In summer league, he averaged 2.3 blocks in just 24 minutes per game. Is he raw? Absolutely. But his rim protection and mobility are exactly what the Mavericks need to balance their offensive firepower. Alongside him, Maxi Kleber provides that veteran presence—a guy who can stretch the floor (shooting 36% from three last year) and switch defensively. And let’s not forget about Dwight Powell, whose energy and pick-and-roll chemistry with Luka remain underrated assets.
But here’s what I love about this roster—the depth. Last season, the Mavericks’ bench was often outscored by opponents, sometimes by margins as high as 12-15 points in crucial stretches. This year, with additions like Seth Curry (a career 43% three-point shooter) and the re-signing of Tim Hardaway Jr., the second unit looks far more potent. Hardaway, in particular, is a player I’ve always had a soft spot for. He’s streaky, yes, but when he gets hot, he can single-handedly win you a quarter. And in the playoffs, that kind of X-factor is priceless.
When it comes to lineup strategies, I think Coach Jason Kidd has some fascinating options. The most obvious is the double-big lineup featuring Lively and Kleber, which could shore up the interior defense without sacrificing spacing. But personally, I’m more intrigued by the possibility of small-ball units with Luka at the four. Imagine a lineup of Dončić, Irving, Curry, Hardaway, and Kleber—offensively, that’s nearly unguardable. They’d likely give up points in the paint, but they could also run opponents off the floor with a pace of around 105 possessions per game. It’s high-risk, high-reward, and in the modern NBA, sometimes you have to embrace the chaos.
Defensively, there’s still work to do. The Mavericks finished 25th in defensive rating last season, and while Lively helps, he’s not a cure-all. Josh Green’s development will be crucial here. He’s already one of the best perimeter defenders on the team, with a defensive plus-minus of +1.2 last year. If he can improve his consistency—especially from beyond the arc—he could be the versatile wing this team needs to compete with the likes of Denver and Phoenix.
As I reflect on this roster, I keep coming back to Luka’s words about having a "better foundation." It’s not just about knowing the plays; it’s about understanding each other’s tendencies, trusting the system, and building that collective mindset. Last year felt like experimentation. This year feels like execution. The Mavericks have the star power, the depth, and now, the continuity to make a serious run. Are they perfect? No. But in a league where chemistry often trumps talent, Dallas might just have the right mix. I’m bullish on this team—not just to make the playoffs, but to surprise a lot of people once they get there. The foundation is set. Now it’s time to build.
