The Dallas Mavericks, led by governor Patrick Dumont, are grappling with a challenging situation as they navigate their roster and face ongoing struggles this season. The team has expressed a desire to evaluate the potential synergy between Cooper Flagg, Anthony Davis, and Kyrie Irving on the court together. However, recent reports suggest that the Mavericks may opt to delay Irving’s return from a torn ACL, which could impact these plans.
Despite hopes that Irving would return after the All-Star Break, sources indicate that his comeback could be postponed due to the Mavericks’ current standing. Irving has not yet been cleared to practice, and with the team struggling eight games below .500 and sitting in 12th place in the Western Conference, discussions are emerging about prioritizing long-term recovery over immediate play. Additionally, Davis remains sidelined with a hand injury, leaving the Mavericks in a difficult position.
The front office is also keenly aware of the implications of this season’s upcoming draft. The Mavericks are set to control their first-round pick for the last time until 2031, which adds another layer of urgency to their decision-making. They are currently positioned to enter the lottery with the eighth-best odds, a notable improvement from last year when they secured the No. 1 pick.
This situation opens the door for a strategic offseason approach, where the Mavericks could potentially trade Davis to acquire additional assets or younger players who align with Flagg’s development timeline. Looking ahead to next season, there is optimism that a fully healed Irving could lead a team that also includes Flagg, a returning Dereck Lively II, and new draft additions.
While Irving’s desire to play remains strong, the organization must weigh the benefits of his full recovery against their current performance. The conversation around Irving’s return will depend significantly on the Mavericks’ trajectory over the coming weeks. There is still hope that a prudent approach could better position the Mavericks for future success, emphasizing the importance of patience in building a competitive team.