The Dallas Mavericks are coming off a disappointing 2024-2025 season, finishing four games under .500 with a 39-43 record. Much of the team’s lack of success can be directly attributed to injuries.
Following the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, the Mavericks faced immediate challenges. The All-Star center Davis quickly suffered a season-ending injury, and he wasn’t the only one sidelined. Kyrie Irving also sustained a knee injury that ended his season prematurely. Without their top two players, optimism in Dallas was understandably low.
As the Mavericks gear up for the 2025-2026 season, however, hope is renewed. During media day on Monday, Anthony Davis shared the team’s ambitious goals. “The goal is still to bring a championship here,” Davis said. “I think we have a good ball club. The biggest thing as a team is our health — staying healthy. Other than that, I think we’re fine. I’m happy to be here. I’m excited to be here and I want to win here.”
Initial reports on Irving’s recovery had him ahead of schedule, but Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd addressed these rumors at media day, tempering expectations.
Davis’s comments about the importance of health hit close to home. The big man has battled several serious injuries throughout his career, which contributed to the skepticism when the Mavericks traded Dončić for him. That said, the team is built around the dynamic duo of Davis and Irving, who — when healthy — remain among the NBA’s elite players.
Beyond the stars, the Mavericks boast considerable depth, especially in the frontcourt. Derek Lively II showed significant promise last year before also suffering an injury. In his absence, Daniel Gafford stepped up and proved himself a productive and reliable big man.
With support from two-way player PJ Washington, along with Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall, and Brandon Williams, Dallas has assembled a strong core capable of making a legitimate championship run. Ultimately, the team’s success this season will hinge on one critical factor: health.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/dallas-mavericks/mavericks-news-anthony-davis-championship-goal-media-day