Kyrie Irving sheds his injury restrictions and a growing Cooper Flagg stands tall as the Mavericks launch a new era under coach Dusty May at Media Day.
Dallas Mavs Media Day on Friday featured the team's two stars ... and notable news regarding both.
Our Grant Afseth attended the session at the AAC, on the eve of the start of training camp, which opens on Saturday under new coach Dusty May. ... and MavsRoundtable.com offers up notes and quotes and our Top 10 Takes from the day ...
1 - NO RESTRICTIONS!
Kyrie Irving has not played in an NBA game since March 3, 2025, when he injured his knee. He averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 50 games before the injury and now, at age 34, he's finally back.
“No restrictions,” Irving said. “Obviously, there’ll be some conversations with the medical staff about back-to-backs and just the quality of where I am, just being honest day-to-day and just having that fluid communication. I think that’s most important.''
Added Kai: “From a mental standpoint, coming back from a traumatic injury is not the easiest thing to overcome, but no excuses.
"I think I was built for this at a very young age, being able to put it in perspective with just the injury happening, getting past kind of the mental hurdle of just the fear or the scary moments of just, am I gonna be back the same? Am I gonna be better?”
2 - TALLER BALLER
Cooper Flagg won Rookie of the Year after averaging 21 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 70 starts. Basketball Reference lists him at 6-foot-9.
But now?
“Not very accurate,” Flagg said of reports that he's grown to 6-11. “I’m 6-10. I got to say, my physical condition, I’m 6-10 with no shoes. I was like 6-9 last year, so definitely taller.”
So the 19-year-old is maybe still growing ... as a player and more.
3 - KAI POSITIVITY
Irving is entering his 16th season. ... and with being a veteran comes a positive reflection on his injury.
“Being away from the game of basketball, just to put in perspective for you, my injury was probably the best thing that happened to me. … I’m 34 years old. I’m going on year 16, and been through a lot, been through a lot of ups and downs as a person.”
4 - SPEAKING OF INJURIES ...
Dereck Lively II had season-ending foot surgery last season, and the details of the center’s timeline are ... well, a matter of controversy, we say.
And what does Lively say?
“I’m happy where I am,” Lively said. “I’m very grateful to the team for just giving me the ability to just take my time, make sure I’m doing everything right, and making sure I’m taking care of my body.''
5 - JOY IN DALLAS
New Mavericks president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri offered up a promise.
“We are trying to bring joy back to basketball in this city with this team, and with Dusty (May(, the coaching staff,” Ujiri said. “There’s a vibe and an energy that we are all feeling ... Sports, basketball, it’s all about winning, and we want to win in Dallas, and we will win in Dallas.”
6 - WHAT'S ROOKIE'S ROLE?
Morez Johnson, the ninth overall pick, played for May at Michigan. May said he does not know Johnson’s position yet. ... which strikes us as a bit concerning.
“I know one of the things that makes him so valuable is he checks a lot of boxes,” May said. “Whatever that moment needs or whatever that game needs or team needs, he’s adaptable. He transformed his game last year for us because of his adaptability. But the things that make Rez are still his tenacity, his heart, his physicality, doing whatever it takes to win and assist his teammates.
"And so I don’t know the specifics yet what position we’re in, but I think he’ll find a way to be in the rotation and back in winning.”
OK, but the frontcourt is sort of crowded right now, with names like Gafford, Lively, Moussa Cissé, Santi Aldama, and yes, (again, for now), Dwight Powell all competing for time.
We shall see. For now, a look at the entire roster for camp ... see below!
7 - MOREZ SCOUTS MAY
First-round rookie Morez Johnson won the 2026 national title under new coach May. His scouting report?
“You have fun with him off the court, easy to talk to, you can trust him with anything,” Johnson said of May. “And then he knows how to flip a switch to get serious and coach you and put you in positions where you can be at your best. And he’s just a great guy. He’s honest all the time. I just appreciate guys that are honest.”
8 - HOMECOMING
Marcus Sasser, who grew up in Dallas, averaged 7.0 points and 2.7 assists in 166 games over three seasons in Detroit. He watched the 2011 NBA Finals with his family and called playing for the Mavericks a dream come true.
“It kinda put an extra chip on your shoulder when you going to come to play for your hometown,” Sasser said. “And the other advantage is always there, mom right up the street. So every holiday and when she’s supposed to cook, I can have some good home-cooked meals.''
9 - NO. 3
Naji Marshall has a new number ... with meaning?
Marshall switched to No. 3 this season and said he forgot it was his number until Friday. He set his 3-point target at 45 percent
“Nothing-but-net threes,” Marshall explained, adding boldly, “That’s it. That’s going to make me unstoppable.''
10 - THE FINAL WORD
"This is a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately type of league, and everybody wants to see it up close. So I'm looking forward to being able to lace up my shoes and being on the court with my teammates and show everybody what I got again. It's just like riding a bike. ... I have the confidence of a champion. ready to go out there and kick some butt.'' - Kyrie Irving.
