​Dusty May is about to begin his first season as head coach in the NBA, stepping into a high-stakes role with the Dallas Mavericks. The challenge ahead is formidable, but the task is made more manageable by a loaded roster that includes the return of Kyrie Irving. The former Michigan coach recently watched Irving put in work at a gym and was impressed enough to draw a vivid comparison, noting the guard’s artistry on the court. May even revealed that the pair had a conversation, hinting at the rapport forming between coach and star.
“I spoke with Kyrie and actually witnessed a workout this morning, and I felt like I left the gym watching Picasso paint a picture,” May said. The comment underscored May’s sense that Irving’s skill and work ethic could help catalyze a successful transition for both the player and the franchise. Irving is in the process of recovering from a torn ACL he sustained in March 2025, and the Mavericks anticipate his return for the start of the 2026-27 season. May was hired on June 23 to replace Jason Kidd after Kidd guided the team to a national championship at Michigan, signaling a new era for Dallas as it builds around Irving and other young talents.
Irving’s return marks the beginning of a fresh chapter for the Mavericks, who now have new leadership and a clearer path forward. The nine-time All-Star will join forces with new teammates, including potential on-court partners like Cooper Flagg, to form a refreshed core. Dallas’s offseason moves reflect a commitment to retooling the roster around its star player, with May at the helm of the strategic and on-court plan for the season ahead.
In terms of roster construction, Dallas utilized the draft to infuse youth and potential into the lineup. The Mavericks selected Morez Johnson with the No. 9 pick and Sergio De Larrea at No. 25 in the first round, signaling a focus on long-term upside alongside established talent. They also added Vsevolod Ishchenko at No. 56 and inked Tobi Lawal to a two-way contract, expanding the pipeline of prospects who could contribute in the near future. Santi Aldama, acquired in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies, added veteran versatility and scoring potential to the mix. These moves complement the organization’s broader strategy of combining established star power with a growing supporting cast.
Dallas finished the previous season with a 26-56 record and fell short of the playoffs, a result that underscored the need for a reset. With May orchestrating the offense and Irving providing the star power and playmaking, the Mavericks are positioned for a potential rebound season. The combination of a new coaching philosophy, a refreshed roster, and Irving’s return creates a storyline that fans and analysts will be watching closely as the 2026-27 season approaches. As May implements his system and Irving re-enters the lineup, Dallas aims to turn the page and recapture the excitement surrounding the franchise.