The NBA world is buzzing after teams learned their schedules for the 2026-27 season. While they aren't expected to be in the same field as the Thunder or the Spurs, fans will have a right to feel disrespected after looking at Bleacher Report's prediction.
B/R predicted records for each NBA team, with the Mavs at 38-44. Yes, still a massive improvement from going 26-56 in Cooper Flagg's rookie year, but he's not alone anymore. Masai Ujiri went to work this offseason, and they have plenty of guys who work perfectly with the 19-year-old.
But as Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report says, there's still one lingering question everyone wants to know. What's going to happen to Kyrie Irving?
"It almost feels like the bookmakers are folding the possibility of a Kyrie Irving trade into this over-under, so I will too (their track record on these numbers is strong). And even with that possibility considered, this feels like a relatively safe bet on the over."
NBA media is still not sold on the Mavericks
Well, even when all the Irving rumors seemed to be over, they always find a way to make it back to square one.
The 34-year-old has been involved in trade talks, but he has done everything to remove himself from the conversation. Dusty May, as a first-year head coach, has publicly stated that he wants Irving around to help guide him. He called Irving a "jazz musician," and Irving reiterated the same when he told everybody to flood May's DMs.
The Mavs are clearly going in the direction of Flagg, but Irving was gifted by getting another Luka Doncic next to him, and someone who is way more active defensively.
Despite the losing record (and more likely missing the playoffs with such a record), Bailey still thinks this was a phenomenal offseason for Ujiri and Mike Schmitz.
"Beyond the return of Irving and a likely second-year leap from Cooper Flagg, Dallas' new-look front office knocked this offseason out of the park."
The offseason was still a win for the Mavs, no matter what happens from here on out, and they have a lot to look forward to. Morez Johnson Jr. has a growing ceiling, but will have to develop a jump shot if opponents want to take him more seriously.
Sergio De Larrea from Spain has become an overnight sensation and will already be fixing the Mavericks' most glaring flaw, outside shooting.
It's not going to be an overnight fix, but fans should have a fun time watching this new and young team.
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