Skeptics doubt, but the Dallas Mavericks embrace the underdog role. This season, they aim to silence critics with star power, youth, and an undeniable edge.
The Dallas Mavericks don’t seem bothered by the talk that they’re a fringe playoff team in the loaded Western Conference. In fact, they welcome it.
After a preseason that raised as many questions as it answered, the Mavericks open their season Wednesday night at home against the San Antonio Spurs with a mix of star power, youth, and uncertainty — and an unmistakable edge.
Forward P.J. Washington said he’s heard the projections that have Dallas battling for a play-in spot or sneaking into the sixth seed. His response carried no hesitation.
“Good, I’m glad they’re sleeping on us,” Washington said Monday after practice. “It’s easier for us to stay locked in on what we have to do and being professionals every night. That really means nothing, to be honest with you.”
The Mavericks have one of the league’s most intriguing rosters, featuring three former No. 1 overall picks — Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and rookie Cooper Flagg. But health and chemistry will determine whether they can rise above the skepticism.
Head coach Jason Kidd said the early portion of the season will be critical in setting the team’s tone.
“You look at the first 10, everybody’s eager, everybody’s undefeated,” Kidd said. “Then you kind of settle into a rotation so guys know when they’re coming in, coming out. But every 10, you try to take a look at what the team is doing well.”
Kidd added that the team’s identity will likely form closer to the 20-game mark.
“I can say that after the first 20, you probably have an identity because you have a bigger sample size,” he said. “The first 10 are important, but we’re just going to take one at a time.”
That process begins with a marquee opening matchup against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs — a meeting between two of the most anticipated prospects in recent NBA history.
Kidd said he expects emotions to run high for Flagg’s debut, but the 18-year-old has handled the challenge with unusual maturity.
“For an 18-year-old, he’s very mature and understands what we’re asking,” Kidd said. “He’s up for the challenge.”
Washington, who’s likely to move between starting and reserve roles depending on the lineup, said the team is still finding its rhythm but believes the foundation is forming.
“We’ll see in the first 10 games,” Washington said. “We’re trying to build ourselves to get there, just being physical on the defensive end and trying to be the same way on the offensive end. Make the right play and play together.”
The Mavericks’ frontcourt will again be their calling card. Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Washington give Dallas a towering defensive trio, while Thompson and Flagg add shooting and versatility. Kidd said the goal is to play faster despite the team’s size.
“With the pass—you can always be faster with the pass,” he said. “The ball travels faster than someone running. With Cooper and P.J. being able to handle, it puts us a little faster than expected because of their size and speed.”
There’s also optimism that Dallas will soon be healthier. Daniel Gafford, sidelined since training camp with an ankle sprain, participated in part of Monday’s practice.
“Gafford did practice today, partial,” Kidd said. “He was good. We’ll see how he feels tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, Danté Exum remains out as he recovers from injury. Kidd said the Mavericks will rely on depth and adaptability early in the season.
“We got the parts,” he said. “Some of the parts are hurt, but I think in due time when everybody’s out there, we have the parts. We’ll hold it until we can get healthy and hopefully that’s sooner than later.”
For now, the Mavericks are eager to test themselves against someone other than each other.
“I can’t wait,” Washington said. “Everybody’s excited. We’ve been beating up on each other — we want to beat up on other teams. We have the personnel to do so.”
Dallas’ home-heavy start gives them a chance to build early momentum. Whether they exceed expectations or simply meet them will depend on how quickly the pieces fit together.
As Kidd put it: “We’re a work in progress. That’s why you got to play the 82.”