For the first time in a while, the Dallas Mavericks are starting the season without serious postseason aspirations. They have finally embraced the rebuild and are now building around Cooper Flagg.
That doesn't mean, however, that they won't try to win as many games as they can. Finishing .500 or better and making the Play-In Tournament will be optimistic but attainable goals for the franchise. To achieve these goals, they need a few swing factors to go their way.
Let's take a look at some of the players who may help the Mavs exceed expectations.
Dereck Lively II
Lively is the most important player in Dallas who isn't named Cooper Flagg. And no player is entering the 2026-27 season with more at stake than the 22-year-old center.
Heading into his fourth season in the league, Lively had a lost 2025-26 campaign. Between the stress fracture he suffered in January 2025, the removal of bone spurs in the 2025 offseason, and the foot surgery in December, Lively has been dealing with a ton of ailments, which have limited him to a total of 43 games over the last two seasons.
After an incredibly promising rookie campaign, Lively II hasn't been able to stay healthy. He has been desperately trying to be available early in the season, but there is no timetable for his return.
How much and how well Lively II will play this season will be one of the biggest swing factors for the Mavs. If he can give them 20 minutes of solid center play in 50 to 60 games this season, the Mavs could look much better, especially defensively. Otherwise, there will be a lot on Daniel Gafford's shoulders.
Zaccharie Risacher
Because he was the No. 1 overall pick and failed to live up to expectations, Risacher has become an underrated basketball player. If he were a late first-round pick, what he has shown so far in his career would have been highly encouraging. The Hawks were subtle in kicking him out of the lineup, but they have a deep roster without him.
The fact that the Mavs got him without giving up anything of value was a sneaky good move. Risacher still has the physical and athletic tools that made him the top pick in the draft. Six-foot-eight forwards who can defend multiple positions, hit shots, and make plays on the ball are rare in the NBA.
If he can consistently do these things and learn to play with a little more physicality and intensity, the Mavs could have a good role player on their hands for a long time. He can help the Mavs more next season than many people think.
Tarik Biberovic
The Mavs may have found a diamond in the rough with the 25-year-old sharpshooter. The Bosnian small forward is making his way to the NBA after a very productive international career. He established himself as one of the best shooters in Europe and helped lead his team to a EuroLeague title as one of their best players.
Biberovic is not a well-known player in the U.S., but he has a ton of high-level international experience. He has been in winning situations and has a polished game, so he might be able to make an immediate impact compared to a standard rookie.
Shooting is a weakness for the Mavs. There is a chance Biberovic may emerge as their best shooter next season. If he can stay on the floor, he could make a big impact with his shooting. Even if Sergio De Larrea is used for floor general purposes, Biberovic can be the shooting specialist.
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