The Dallas Mavericks embark on a new season without Luka Donsic, who the franchise decides to trade.
In an astonishing move, the Mavericks parted ways with the Slovenian superstar in February in exchange for Anthony Davis.
Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison preached the “Defense Winning Championship.” That’s the identity of the team.
Mix it with 2025 NBA Draft ace Mavericks Landing Cooper Flag and this team may soon return to business.
The Mavericks added another depth piece before training camp and agreed to a deal with Dennis Smith Jr.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the news as she reunited with the Mavericks, who collected 9th overall in 2017, a year before Smith acquired Luka Donsic in the 2018 draft.
Smith Jr. and Donsic played together for the Mavericks during the 2018-19 NBA season.
Since then, Smith Jr. has been struggling the league, which has played for six teams in seven years.
These teams include the Maverick, the New York Knicks, the Detroit Pistons, the Portland Trail Blazers, the Charlotte Hornets and the Brooklyn Nets.
In his career, Smith Jr. averaged 9.7 points, 4.2 assists and 3.0 rebounds in 326 regular season games. Hopefully, a return to Dallas will spark the 27-year-old’s career.
The Mavericks build their team around defense, with Anchor Davis in the middle and Rookie Flag folded.
The Mavericks don’t have Kyrie Irving, who has a torn ACL until the New Year, but Dangelo Russell’s signature should keep them floating.
The Mavericks have a balanced start 5 when Irving returns and have a deep bench unit.
If Health is on the Mavericks’ side, they could be the dark horse for this season’s title.