Anthony Davis will have to wear glasses for the rest of his career

The Dallas Mavericks are turning the page on a turbulent chapter. After the controversial trade that sent Luka Doncic packing—sparking death threats against the executive who orchestrated it and tanking the franchise’s popularity—the Mavs are now charting a bold new course. With the team recently sold and a fresh roster in place, Dallas is aiming high in the 2025–26 NBA season.

Kyrie Irving out until spring - if he returns at all...

Head coach Jason Kidd is facing a major setback: Kyrie Irving is unlikely to suit up before spring due to a torn ACL. Whether he plays at all this season remains uncertain. But the Mavericks aren’t dwelling on the bad news. D’Angelo Russell will take over point guard duties, supported by Williams and Hardy.

Cooper Flagg arrives as the No. 1 pick

The spotlight now shifts to Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick who dazzled at Duke and is bringing his elite talent to Texas. He’s expected to play a key role from day one, possibly shifting the team’s strategy midseason if needed. Alongside him, Anthony Davis steps in as the franchise cornerstone.

Davis returns—with a new look and a warning

Fresh off summer surgery to repair retinal damage in his right eye—caused by a freak elbow from teammate Daniel Gafford last season—Davis will now wear protective contact lenses for the rest of his career. “You’ll see me like Horace Grant,” he joked, referencing the four-time NBA champion known for his signature goggles. Doctors advised the eyewear to prevent further trauma, and Davis is still recovering during preseason camp.

Davis isn’t shying away from the challenge: “I think the most important thing for our team is staying healthy. If we do that, we’ll be fine. I’m happy and excited to be here. I want to win with the Mavs.”

Dallas is betting on familiar faces like Dwight Powell and Dante Exum, while veterans like Klay Thompson remain in the mix. Younger players—Max Christie, Trey Murphy III, P.J. Washington, and Caleb Martin will need to adapt quickly to their roles. Flagg is expected to slot in at small forward, with Washington offering flexibility across positions.

For the first time in years, Davis will play his natural position at power forward, with Lively or Gafford anchoring the paint as true centers. This setup is designed to ease Davis’s defensive load and maximize his offensive impact.

Not just a rebuild—a real push in the west

Despite Kyrie’s absence, the Mavericks aren’t treating this as a transitional year. With Flagg’s arrival and a well-rounded roster, Dallas is aiming for a top spot in the Western Conference. And Davis, finally in a system tailored to his strengths, is ready to lead the charge.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.