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Articles by Austin Mcgee
Kyrie Irving has transformed a glaring Mavericks weakness into a major strength
Just a season ago, the Dallas Mavericks ranked in the bottom 10 in pretty much every isolation metric. Dallas ranked 26th in points per isolation possession, 25th in isolation effective field goal percentage, and 21st in isolation scoring frequency. Kyrie Irving has helped turn Mavericks' isolation weakness into a strength This year, however, things have gone topsy-turvy, as Dallas has been the association's most efficient isolation team, largely thanks to the return of Kyrie Irving.
Mavericks’ new era is already making a difference for Cooper Flagg
It's been a year since the Dallas Mavericks parted ways with embattled general manager Nico Harrison, who has gone radio silent since his firing. Yet amid Harrison's silence, the noise surrounding the Mavericks has grown louder and louder, opening the season with a surprising 7-4 record while establishing a fresh team dynamic that's permeated the organization from top to bottom.
Mavericks have little reason to keep Zaccharie Risacher out of the starting five
Since moving Max Christie to a reserve role and starting Caleb Martin in his place, the Dallas Mavericks are 3-1. However, it's not necessarily because of Martin, who's averaged merely 1.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 17.6 minutes as a starter. Martin provides quality defense, sure, but he's certainly not the answer for Dallas' fifth starting spot. The answer is Zaccharie Risacher.
Santi Aldama helps solve problems plaguing the Mavericks’ offense
The Dallas Mavericks decimated the Brooklyn Nets in a 130-93 victory on Sunday, earning their largest margin of victory this season. After dropping consecutive contests to the Sacramento Kings and San Antonio Spurs, Dallas bounced back with wins over the Utah Jazz and Brooklyn to move two games above .500. In these back-to-back victories, the Mavericks' offense has improved in several areas, and that turnaround coincides with Santi Aldama's return to the lineup.
Victor Wembanyama’s monster night exposed exactly who the Mavericks are missing
52 points. 24 rebounds. Eight blocks. There aren't many words to describe Victor Wembanyama's otherworldly performance in a 112-111 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. Yet Mavs fans can't help but wonder… What if the team had someone to stop, or at least deter, Wembanyama? Mavericks missed Dereck Lively II's length against Wembanyama Well, thankfully, Dallas sorta does. That's Dereck Lively II.
Mavericks' strong start is hiding a troubling roster flaw
The Dallas Mavericks handed the Sacramento Kings their first win of the season in a 115-100 defeat on Monday night. Without Kyrie Irving, Dallas looked out of sorts, shooting just 41.0 percent from the field and turning it over 16 times. However, the Mavericks' devastating flaws were on full display against Sacramento. Dallas' porous perimeter defense and lack of shotmakers were particularly glaring, raising questions about whether its early success is sustainable.
Daniel Gafford's rim protection is exposing a Mavericks defensive dilemma
Daniel Gafford is having a massively impactful yet under-the-radar start to his eighth professional season. No player in the NBA has been more effective at limiting opponents around the basket than Gafford, who leads the league, holding opponents to a whopping 22.1 percentage points below their expected field goal percentage at the rim. Gafford has been awesome, to say the least. Remarkably, Dallas is 21.7 points per 100 possessions better with the big man on the floor. Pretty useful, huh?
Cooper Flagg's improved playmaking raises the Mavericks' offensive ceiling
The Dallas Mavericks handed the Oklahoma City Thunder, the NBA's best team over the past three years, their first loss of the season in a 24-point drubbing. Cooper Flagg was the star of the show, dropping 26 points, but his playmaking was arguably his most significant contribution. Flagg recorded eight assists to zero turnovers, putting his improved playmaking on full display.
Walter Clayton Jr. is already making it difficult for the Mavericks to overlook him
Now that's a breakout performance. In the Dallas Mavericks' 113-109 win over the Miami Heat, two-way signee Walter Clayton Jr. put up 15 points, four rebounds, four assists, and two 3-pointers while pacing the team in plus/minus at plus-22. After being waived and settling for a two-way contract all within the past week, Clayton wasted little time making his presence felt with his stellar showing against Miami.
Max Christie's slow start has reopened the Mavericks' shooting guard debate
Through three games, Dallas Mavericks starting shooting guard Max Christie is averaging 8.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.3 3-pointers per game, without any free-throw attempts and with only two steals in 30.7 minutes per contest. Needless to say, Christie isn't off to the best start to his fifth professional campaign.
Marcus Sasser is already emerging as a much-needed weapon for the Mavericks
Not many things went right in the Dallas Mavericks' 128-110 season-opening drubbing against the Houston Rockets. Dallas' offensive flaws from a season ago were still wildly evident, and its revamped defense didn't deter the Rockets much. Yet, as for the bright spots, aside from Cooper Flagg, low-key offseason addition Marcus Sasser almost immediately showed why he could be an important piece for this team.
Mavericks' thin backcourt would hand Walter Clayton Jr. a golden opportunity
From college basketball star to the 18th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft to being waived, all within two years, Walter Clayton Jr.'s basketball journey has been anything but linear. The Mavericks' backcourt has a clear need for Walter Clayton Jr. Nonetheless, the NBA is an opportunity-driven league, and after the Memphis Grizzlies cut ties with Clayton, the Dallas Mavericks, a reported leading suitor, could offer the 23-year-old a chance he didn't get in Utah or Memphis.
Mavericks can't let Max Christie's shooting overshadow Zaccharie Risacher's upside
Through two preseason games, the Dallas Mavericks have already begun tinkering with their starting five. Perhaps the most interesting development is Zaccharie Risacher starting alongside the first unit in both contests, even with Max Christie, who started last season, also in the mix. While Christie might be the more complementary fit next to Cooper Flagg and Co., and the better shooter, the Mavericks shouldn't let that overshadow Risacher's upside.
Mavericks shouldn't ignore what their preseason opener exposed defensively
In the Dallas Mavericks' preseason opener , the Houston Rockets uncorked 135 points against a supposedly good (on paper) Mavericks defense. The Rockets knocked down 54.6 percent of their field goals and 50.0 percent of their 3-pointers. Houston dropped an NBA preseason high for points in a game despite turning it over 21 times. It's just the preseason, yes, but allowing that many points to an average offense that coughed up the ball so often is cause for concern.
Mavericks shouldn't ignore what their preseason opener exposed defensively
In the Dallas Mavericks' preseason opener, the Houston Rockets uncorked 135 points against a supposedly good (on paper) Mavericks defense. The Rockets knocked down 54.6 percent of their field goals and 50.0 percent of their 3-pointers. Houston dropped an NBA preseason high for points in a game despite turning it over 21 times. It's just the preseason, yes, but allowing that many points to an average offense that coughed up the ball so often is cause for concern.
Jason Kidd's potential ESPN role makes little sense after Mavericks exit
The head coach-to-analyst pipeline is nothing new. Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has already made a name for himself as an analyst following his illustrious tenure in the NFL, while several ex-NBA head coaches are still heard from following their coaching tenures, such as Doc Rivers and Stan Van Gundy.
Mavericks' preseason 3-point volume will reveal if their offense is truly changing
The Dallas Mavericks ranked 29th in 3-pointers, 27th in 3-point attempts, and 26th in 3-point percentage last season. As evidenced by these three simple statistics, Dallas' offense was far too one-dimensional last year. Yet, many things changed this offseason, including the addition of Dusty May as head coach.
Mavericks' preseason 3-point volume will reveal if their offense is truly changing
The Dallas Mavericks ranked 29th in 3-pointers, 27th in 3-point attempts, and 26th in 3-point percentage last season. As evidenced by these three simple statistics, Dallas' offense was far too one-dimensional last year. Yet, many things changed this offseason, including the addition of Dusty May as head coach.
Mavericks guaranteeing Moussa Cisse's contract should end roster debate
Not long ago, the Dallas Mavericks parted ways with Klay Thompson to trim their roster to 15, only to re-sign Dwight Powell. This, once again, brought their roster to 16 players, exceeding the standard 15-man roster. Yet, there was a caveat: Dallas had a player on a non-guaranteed salary, seemingly making it easier to cut the roster back to 15. But… the key word here is had . Moussa Cisse's contract became guaranteed on October 2, essentially guaranteeing his spot on the roster.
Mavericks guaranteeing Moussa Cisse's contract should end roster debate
Not long ago, the Dallas Mavericks parted ways with Klay Thompson to trim their roster to 15, only to re-sign Dwight Powell. This, once again, brought their roster to 16 players, exceeding the standard 15-man roster. Yet, there was a caveat: Dallas had a player on a non-guaranteed salary, seemingly making it easier to cut the roster back to 15. But… the key word here is had. Moussa Cisse's contract became guaranteed on October 2, essentially guaranteeing his spot on the roster.
Mavericks' new offense should give Zaccharie Risacher an edge to start
The Dallas Mavericks' starting five is unsettled, and newly appointed head coach Dusty May even went as far as to say it won't be settled anytime soon. Nonetheless, that doesn't mean one player vying for a starting role doesn't have an inside track. Zaccharie Risacher. With Dallas skewing bigger and playing faster, Risacher could be one of the players who benefits most from the change.
Mavericks can't afford to make Caleb Martin's contract even more costly
In a rather surprising turn of events, the Dallas Mavericks signed Dwight Powell and are reportedly considering retaining the longtime veteran on the regular-season roster. Nonetheless, after signing Powell, Dallas is at 16 players on standard deals, meaning one would have to go for the 35-year-old to stick around. And while wing Caleb Martin is the obvious choice, he's someone Dallas can't afford to release. Okay, okay, it's not all that surprising.
Mavericks need Gafford to become something he's never been — for everyone's sake
It's not difficult to acknowledge that the Dallas Mavericks' spacing was poor a season ago, and it didn't really improve much heading into the 2026-27 campaign. Nonetheless, there's a not-so-obvious way it could improve exponentially, and it starts with Dallas' probable opening-night starting center shooting more (at least some) 3-pointers.
ESPN's NBA rankings give Mavericks reason to think twice before trading Kyrie Irving
With less than a month until the NBA season begins, ESPN released its annual "NBA Rank," which orders the association's top 100 players. The Dallas Mavericks boasted two players on the list: Cooper Flagg at No. 23 and Kyrie Irving at No. 39.
Ryan Nembhard's release makes Mavericks' decision to move on easier to understand
Over two months ago, the Dallas Mavericks made the shrewd move to acquire former No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher in exchange for Ryan Nembhard and a second-round draft pick, which was routed to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the three-team deal. However, despite Nembhard's importance to the downtrodden Mavericks a year ago, it's now looking like Dallas was right to move on from the point guard after what has happened since.
Ryan Nembhard's release makes Mavericks' decision to move on easier to understand
Over two months ago, the Dallas Mavericks made the shrewd move to acquire former No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher in exchange for Ryan Nembhard and a second-round draft pick, which was routed to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the three-team deal. However, despite Nembhard's importance to the downtrodden Mavericks a year ago, it's now looking like Dallas was right to move on from the point guard after what has happened since.
Mavericks have another level of transition offense waiting to be unlocked
Despite boasting a bottom-five offensive rating, the Dallas Mavericks were one of the better transition teams a season ago, ranking sixth in transition points and second in transition points per possession. Yet there's still another level this team can reach in transition next season, and it comes from an area where Dallas struggled mightily this past season: forcing turnovers. The Mavericks ranked 24th in steals and opponents' turnovers per game last season.
Dereck Lively II is the Mavericks' most overlooked breakout candidate
Could there actually be a fourth-year breakout candidate? Well… typically, the answer is not really, but circumstances do matter, and that's exactly why Dallas Mavericks fourth-year center Dereck Lively II is the squad's most overlooked breakout candidate. Lively has shown immense promise, but over three seasons, he's played only 98 games, still tantalizing Mavs fans and the rest of the NBA with the taste of his limitless potential.
Igor Kokoskov's Jason Kidd comments add another layer to Mavericks' Luka Doncic saga
It's been over a year and a half since Luka Doncic was abruptly traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in one of, if not the most, franchise-altering trades in NBA history. Yet, even as time has passed, the shared sentiment of both disbelief and disdain has not.
Igor Kokoskov's Jason Kidd comments vindicate Mavericks' decision to move on
In a podcast appearance on X&O's Chat, former Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Igor Kokoskov spoke about the difference between American and European basketball culture, his vast coaching career, and perhaps most interestingly, his time with the Mavericks, where he offered a candid recap of his time in Dallas alongside former head coach Jason Kidd.
Mavericks' Zaccharie Risacher steal is making it easy to overlook Ryan Nembhard
Former Dallas Mavericks point guard Ryan Nembhard has been overlooked for quite some time. After all, he went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft and then appeared in 60 games. Ryan Nembhard provided something Dallas can't easily replace Alas, despite putting together a strong rookie season, Nembhard's impact continues to be overlooked, as he's seemingly been forgotten amongst Mavs fans.
Mavericks' unusual bench could force Naji Marshall into a bigger offensive role
Over the past several seasons, the Dallas Mavericks have utilized higher-usage gunners, or spark-plug scorers, to lift otherwise unremarkable bench units, leading to above-average results as they've ranked 12th or better in bench points over the last five years. However, this season, it's looking different. Dallas isn't shaping up to have that reserve microwave scorer, which, as a byproduct, will place added pressure on the Mavericks' most-marquee reserve: Naji Marshall.
Mavericks need to find minutes for Moussa Cisse despite their center logjam
The Dallas Mavericks have loaded up on the frontcourt, but it doesn't necessarily come as a surprise. Newly tabbed president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri has a well-known infatuation with size and length. Nonetheless, that doesn't mean one of the Mavericks' unheralded bigs, Moussa Cisse, shouldn't see the floor despite a deep big man rotation. He's too good. The Dallas Mavericks' frontcourt is crowded Cisse, as it stands, is Dallas' third center, behind Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford.
Santi Aldama's shooting will immediately be put to the test on the Mavericks
Yes, he can shoot it. But that doesn't necessarily mean he's a good shooter. Dallas Mavericks' offseason acquisition Santi Aldama has knocked down 70 or more threes in each of the last four seasons, but the 7-foot forward is a middling 34.6 percent shooter. Yet, Aldama's shooting will be relied on more than ever in Dallas.
Santi Aldama's shooting will immediately be put to the test on the Mavericks
Yes, he can shoot it. But that doesn't necessarily mean he's a good shooter. Dallas Mavericks' offseason acquisition Santi Aldama has knocked down 70 or more threes in each of the last four seasons, but the 7-foot forward is a middling 34.6 percent shooter. Yet, Aldama's shooting will be relied on more than ever in Dallas.
Zaccharie Risacher's Most Improved Player case is hiding in plain sight
There's certainly a school of thought that the NBA's Most Improved Player award should go to a more unheralded player seemingly breaking out from nowhere. Nonetheless, top-10 picks have claimed the award in five of the past seven seasons, meaning voters clearly aren't opposed to rewarding high draft picks who take a major leap, and the Dallas Mavericks have this exact archetype in former first-overall pick Zaccharie Risacher.
Morez Johnson Jr. must make an offensive leap to fit with the Mavericks
When the Dallas Mavericks selected Michigan's Morez Johnson Jr., some audible groans from fans were evident. Dallas punted on adding much-needed shooting and instead went with the interior-oriented Johnson Jr. Yet, even though Johnson Jr. isn't a perimeter threat, he might have to become more of one to earn consistent minutes, especially if he'll be suiting up next to Cooper Flagg and Dereck Lively II.
Mavericks' new-look roster should fix last season's weakness that made little sense
Despite boasting a pretty big roster a season ago, even featuring the 6-foot-9 Cooper Flagg at point guard, the Dallas Mavericks were near the bottom of the league in both offensive rebounding and second-chance points, ranking 22nd and 24th, respectively. Yet, after infusing the roster with even more size and getting big man Dereck Lively II back, this weakness should turn into a strength for the Mavericks and, in turn, improve Dallas' offense.
Bleacher Report's senseless mock trade discredits Mavericks' offseason moves
In an effort to find Kyrie Irving's much-discussed hypothetical next team, Bleacher Report cooked up a nine-player, three-draft-pick, three-team trade to ship Irving to a contender and reshape the Dallas Mavericks' roster with the future solely in mind. However… that's only what this trade did. The hypothetical swap didn't consider Dallas' offseason whatsoever, and instead essentially has the Mavericks punting before even seeing what they put together.
Santi Aldama gives Mavericks something no other big on the roster can
For years, Dallas Mavericks bigs have routinely operated in the traditional big man capacity — catching lobs, setting picks, and defending the paint. However, the Mavericks have added more of a modern big man: 7-foot Santi Aldama. While Aldama is an above-average marksman for a player of his size, he does so much more than shoot. He can put the ball on the deck, create for himself and others, and score on all three levels.
Santi Aldama gives Mavericks something no other big on the roster can
For years, Dallas Mavericks bigs have routinely operated in the traditional big man capacity — catching lobs, setting picks, and defending the paint. However, the Mavericks have added more of a modern big man: 7-foot Santi Aldama. While Aldama is an above-average marksman for a player of his size, he does so much more than shoot. He can put the ball on the deck, create for himself and others, and score on all three levels.
Mavericks' front office overhaul leaves important holdover from Nico Harrison era
After parting ways with vice president of strategy and analytics Andrew Baker and director of pro player personnel Makhtar N’Diaye, the Dallas Mavericks have nearly wiped out Nico Harrison's entire regime, leaving only one executive who worked under the maligned former president of basketball operations, Nico Harrison… Michael Finley. Michael Finley’s history with the Mavericks runs deep Of course, Finley wasn't brought to Dallas by Harrison.
Phil Handy's departure adds another wrinkle to Kyrie Irving's Mavericks future
After being brought in to pair with Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving's Dallas Mavericks trajectory has turned out to be anything but that. As the Mavericks continue moving on from the fallout of the Doncic trade and the firings of Nico Harrison and Jason Kidd, Dallas has now parted ways with another member of the previous regime: assistant coach Phil Handy. His departure adds yet another wrinkle to Irving's already uncertain future in Dallas.
Cooper Flagg's next offensive leap may be hiding in plain sight
Cooper Flagg had perhaps one of the better rookie seasons in recent memory, averaging 21.0 points per game and ending his inaugural campaign with back-to-back 45- and 51-point outbursts for the Dallas Mavericks. Yet, while the scoring was plentiful for Flagg in year one, there are various avenues in which he can improve his offensive game, and one is hiding in plain sight. It's about getting better in the pick-and-roll.
Mavericks' Klay Thompson buyout opens up a new avenue for a future trade
The Dallas Mavericks decided to move on from Klay Thompson for several reasons, including trimming their roster down to 15 players and, for Thompson's sake, allowing the four-time NBA champion to latch on with a contender. However, the best part about buying out Thompson for Dallas is the additional salary cap flexibility, which now opens up a new avenue for a future trade.
Mavericks' Klay Thompson move exposes a problem they still haven't fully solved
After months of speculation, the Dallas Mavericks finally decided what to do with 36-year-old veteran Klay Thompson: waive him. Although it's not what Mavs fans may have wanted, considering a trade felt plausible, it's what had to be done. However, the move is a double-edged sword for the Mavericks. Although cutting ties with Thompson was necessary, it further exposes their lack of shooting across the roster.
Mavericks are quietly earning more respect around the NBA despite early doubts
After notching only 26 wins a season ago — their lowest win total since 2018 — things are looking up for the Dallas Mavericks. Despite some early doubts surrounding Dallas' 2025-26 campaign, an oddly constructed roster and a first-time head coach heading into 2026-27, pundits around the league are starting to take to the Mavs.
3 Outside-the-box lineups the Mavericks should deploy next season
The Dallas Mavericks featured no sense of lineup continuity a season ago, being one of only three teams without a five-man lineup to eclipse at least 100 minutes together, joining the lowly Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards. Consequently, this upcoming season will be about both growth and figuring out which lineups will contribute most to it. Nonetheless, figuring out which lineups work best comes with trotting out some unorthodox fivesomes that the Mavericks should explore using. 3.
Kyrie Irving's Mavericks future could hinge on one thing
Kyrie Irving is a Dallas Maverick… for now. And he might be for the foreseeable future. Nonetheless, the trade rumors surrounding the 34-year-old point guard aren't going to go away anytime soon. And for what it's worth, ESPN's Tim McMahon only added fuel to the fire by suggesting that Irving could be dealt by the trade deadline if Dallas' record is bad once again.
Mavericks can unlock Zaccharie Risacher by asking less of him
Being the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft comes with obviously lofty expectations that are (almost always) unachievable. Yet, the 2024 No. 1 overall pick's lofty expectations have already begun to shift.
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