3 Reasons Mavericks Fans Should Still Be Hopeful

Despite a disappointing season, there are signs of promise for the Dallas Mavericks' future.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:26pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the dynamic action on the court.The Mavericks' future looks bright with the emergence of young star Cooper Flagg and the potential return of veteran Kyrie Irving.Dallas Today

The 2025-26 season was a letdown for Dallas Mavericks fans, but there are still reasons to be optimistic about the team's future. Rookie sensation Cooper Flagg had an impressive debut, the Mavericks hold two first-round picks in the 2026 NBA Draft, and the potential return of star guard Kyrie Irving could provide a much-needed boost.

Why it matters

The Mavericks are looking to rebound from a difficult season and rebuild their roster around young talent like Flagg. With the right moves in the draft and the return of a healthy Irving, the team could quickly return to contention in the Western Conference.

The details

Flagg, the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, had a standout rookie campaign, averaging 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. He joined Michael Jordan as the only rookie in the last 50 years to lead his team in points, rebounds, assists, and steals. The Mavericks also hold two first-round picks in the 2026 NBA Draft, which is expected to be a loaded class. And the potential return of Irving, who has not played since November 2025, could provide a much-needed boost to the team's offense.

  • Flagg was the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
  • Irving last played in a game for the Mavericks in November 2025.
  • The 2026 NBA Draft is expected to be a loaded class.

The players

Cooper Flagg

The first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Flagg had an impressive rookie season, averaging 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game.

Kyrie Irving

The star guard has not played since November 2025 and his return could provide a much-needed boost to the Mavericks' offense.

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What’s next

The Mavericks will look to build around Flagg and potentially add more young talent through the 2026 NBA Draft, while also hoping for a healthy return of Irving to boost their roster.

The takeaway

Despite a disappointing 2025-26 season, the Mavericks have reason for optimism with the emergence of Flagg, the potential to add more young talent in the draft, and the possible return of Irving. If they can make the right moves, the Mavericks could quickly rebound and return to contention in the Western Conference.