When one door closes, another opens.

The Dallas Mavericks may have put an abrupt end to their Luka Doncic era with last February’s infamous trade, but the fortuitous arrival of Cooper Flagg certainly gives their fanbase a renewed sense of hope

The first overall pick of this year’s NBA Draft is expected to become this team’s franchise player one day. In the meantime, he has a talented and accomplished cast of veteran teammates whom he can learn from.

Dallas’ veterans–Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson–all have won championships in the NBA so they know what it takes to win it all. These three are now in the tailend of their primes, yet if they are all relatively healthy by the beginning of the playoffs, they just might have what it takes to pull off an upset or two or even three.

WHAT’S NEW?

The spotlight is going to be shining bright on the 18-year-old Flagg this season.

The success of the Mavericks season will be measured primarily on how well he can adapt to the NBA. Regardless of whether or not they can make the playoffs, if Flagg can put up a standout campaign–ideally punctuated by winning the 2026 NBA Rookie of the Year award–this season will go down as a win for Dallas.

Flagg’s presence allows them to think long term and eases the pressure off the team in the present which might ultimately end up helping them exceed expectations.

BIGGEST QUESTIONS

Kyrie Irving, who is currently rehabilitating after suffering a torn ACL, has hinted that he might be back sooner rather than later. If he can return to the court this season and pick up from where he left off–he averaged 24.7 points in his 50 appearances before getting injured–then Dallas just might emerge as a dark horse contender in the West.

The trio of Irving, Davis, and Thompson are going to be greater than the sum of their parts when they share the floor together given their collective championship experience. Playing alongside them is going to be a boon for Flagg and will certainly help speed up his maturation process.

This is a big “If” though as all three have lengthy injury histories and it might take a miracle for Flagg to share the floor with them at the same time.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Flagg, obviously.

Outside of the Mavericks’ prized rookie though, Davis’ form is going to be crucial for this team. At 32 years old, he should still have some strong seasons left in the tank. He remains one of the best big men in the NBA today and if he can stay healthy–and that is one of the biggest “Ifs” that the league has seen over the past decade–he is good enough to single-handedly power Dallas to a postseason berth.

REASON FOR OPTIMISM/CONCERN

Again–Flagg, obviously.

For this franchise, everything now hinges on Flagg. 

If he plays well out of the gates, Mavericks fans will have nothing to worry about and can start fantasizing about how the next 15 years or so (Unless they trade him like they did Doncic, of course) will go with him onboard.

If he struggles, they are going to lose their minds.