RSS Mavericks Team Notes

[Dallas Mavericks]

Mavericks looking to trade or waive Prosper, Hardy to sign Exum

The Dallas Mavericks summer is mostly over, and with training camp now weeks away instead of months, there’s one final piece of roster business to attend to: completing the re-signing of guard Dante Exum.

Dallas needs some additional financial wiggle room to slot in Exum’s salary and it appears either forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper or guard Jaden Hardy are the candidates to be traded or waived by the end of the week, according to NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer.

The reason for a resolution by the end of this week is due to Friday’s deadline to waive-and-stretch a player’s 2025-2026 salary. If the Mavericks cannot find a workable trade by Friday, one of either Prosper or Hardy will be waived to clear the space for Exum’s new contract. Exum and the Mavericks agreed to a new 1-year contract back in July at the start of free agency.

While the return of Exum is good news for a Mavericks team that will need as many credible ball-handlers while Kyrie Irving is recovering from ACL surgery, it no doubt is a bit stinging that one of Prosper or Hardy will be gone to make room. Not stinging because the Mavericks need them, but stinging because they couldn’t turn into the players the Mavericks actually needed them to be. Prosper was a shrewd move, with the Mavericks acquiring the King’s late first round pick in the 2023 and then selecting Prosper, a rangey, potential 3-and-D defensive wing. Hardy was once thought of to be a top draft pick coming out of high school before a disastorious season with the G-League ignite tanked his draft stock so much that the Mavericks were able to select him with in the second round with the 37th pick back in the 2022 draft.

Burning a first rounder, no matter how late it is, two seasons in is disappointing, but Prosper never showed enough in his limited opportunities. It made sense in his rookie season, as the Mavericks made a Finals run, and time for developing rookies was hard to find (which makes Dereck Lively’s rookie season all the more impressive). Last season Prosper should have found opportunities to thrive with all the Mavericks injuries, but he still never consistently popped the way you’d like, especially since Prosper entered the draft after his junior year of college, presumably the trade-off of an older rookie is faster impact in the NBA, but it never happened. Injuries didn’t help Prosper as well, as he battled various ailments in his two years in Dallas. Prosper just never found a reliable way to contribute — his box scores were littered with meager stats, with little rebounds, steals, or blocks to make up for his anemic shooting. It’s impossible for a 6’7 wing without a handle or consistent jumper to thrive in the NBA if they aren’t rebounding or making splash defensive plays.

Hardy is more of a “win some, lose some” lotto ticket. Second rounders should never carry any meaningful expectations and while Hardy flashed at times, his flaws were just too much to overcome. A brilliant scoring guard without much room to be an actual point guard, Hardy thrived when he was regulated to off-ball duties, playing off the Mavericks two stars (at the time) and canning spot up threes and attacking closeouts. Unfortunately with his size (6’3), it was hard to justify him for off-ball roles when the team needed size and defense on the perimeter. That said, Hardy had his moments, particularly a few scoring bursts in the 2024 NBA Finals. For Hardy to reach the next step he had to show he could be a lead guard and run offense, not just a microwave spot-up scorer off the bench. Unfortunately that never happened.

If the Mavericks can’t find a trade and are forced to waive, it’ll be fascinating to see which player they choose. Prosper feels like the odd man out considering the Mavericks roster is littered with forwards and bigs and Dallas needs as many able-bodied guards as possible, but we’ll see. Either way the Mavericks roster will look slightly different before we start our Labor Day holidays.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/maver...-to-trade-or-waive-prosper-hardy-to-sign-exum

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

The Luka Doncic-Overwatch “Controversy”

The Dallas Mavericks franchise is very excited about the forthcoming Cooper Flagg-era. This is (almost) the moment we’ve all been waiting for. To their chagrin, however, it seems that some people are more than happy to remind them that this timestamp in the Maverick’s organizational existence can also accurately be labeled “the post-Doncic-era”. For the most part, the franchise’s ownership group and senior leadership have done a remarkable job of shrugging that label off, what with the NBA prospect of the decade now at their disposal (not to mention a locker room boasting an elite front court ready to prove that defense can win championships).

But it can be hard to focus on your future goals when treacherous marketing schemes are being calculated to thwart your plans to move on from the past. Mike Curtis with The Dallas Morning News reported just this past Wednesday that “former Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic is featured in a national advertising campaign for the Overwatch 2 video game, with promotional billboards are [sic] popping up all around the country, including near American Airlines Center.”

The Luka Doncic Overwatch signage in Dallas wasn’t without controversy from the Mavericks side apparently. According to sources, Mavericks ownership made them move the original location of the billboard. They felt that it was too close to the arena. They weren’t happy. pic.twitter.com/hn3Boai39S

— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) August 27, 2025

Apparently, the digital ads were seen just steps from the AAC; as in, right around the corner from the entrance to the building. For clarity, we’re talking about massive digital media ads featuring Luka Doncic’s face (in Overwatch character as “Lucio”), looking (hilariously) formidable, with the caption “Cowboys Never Die” flashing conspicuously for his ex-employer’s viewing (dis)pleasure.

It seems that said employer didn’t like what they saw. Curtis reported that the team made an official request to remove the ads from their close proximity to their arena, while also expressly maintaining in their response to Dallas Morning News (as Curtis mentions) that the request to remove the ads “was not made by anyone within the Maverick’s ownership group or senior leadership.” LOL, suuuuure. It was Barry the hotdog vendor down in the VIP lounge. He got really upset when he saw that ad. And there’s zero tolerance within the organization for anything that upsets Barry…

At any rate, it’s certainly an interesting placement. It seems as if the marketing team for Overwatch 2 has a hunch that the target demographic for their Doncic-featured advertising campaign can be reached right there by the Maverick’s arena. Who would’ve thought?

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/mavericks-news/49850/luka-doncic-overwatch-controversy

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

Dallas Mavericks waive Olivier Maxence-Prosper

According to multiple media sources, the Dallas Mavericks have opted to waive and stretch third year forward Olivier Maxence-Prosper.

The Mavericks are waiving-and-stretching the contract of Olivier-Maxence Prosper after a lengthy search for a trade, league sources say.

Dallas took it to the 5 PM ET deadline today for teams to use the provision. It can now re-sign Dante Exum.

More: https://t.co/PoqCNkWjXt pic.twitter.com/a5sBVjXiWq

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 29, 2025

The Mavericks were on the hunt for a trade partner, as reported by DLLS’s Marc Stein, for either Prosper or Jaden Hardy, each of whom were under reasonably priced contracts. Dallas needed to make room to bring on guard Dante Exum to bolster depth in the ball handling area. The move was also needed to help keep the Mavericks under the dreaded second apron.

Unfortunately, those trade discussions never went anywhere. Teams were only interested if Dallas was willing to include one of their few remaining second round picks with O-Max. The remainder of his salary (one year) will be stretched over a multi-year period across the Dallas Mavericks salary cap.

Prosper was acquired as part o a draft night trade in 2023 with the Sacramento Kings. He, along with Richaun Holmes, were sent to the Mavericks for cash considerations. O-Max joined a team starved for size and at 6’8” and 230 pounds, the hope was that he develop into a multi-position forward, similar to the mold of former Dallas player Dorian Finney -Smith. He played 92 games over the past two seasons with Dallas, averaging 3.5 points and 2.2 rebounds.

While it’s rare to see first-round picks waived before the end of their first contract, Prosper was stuck at the very end of a deep logjam at forward. Dallas needs Exum and his skillset more than Prosper and if a trade wasn’t possible on the market, this decision was all that remained to the team.

Given his age and size, he’s likely to get at least one more NBA shot, but he also did not show much development in his two seasons in the NBA. Despite not working out, Dallas made a reasonable gamble in 2023 with the selection. Large, skilled forwards are hard to acquire without spending (look at the Dallas salary sheet for further proof) and the low risk, high reward option in the latter part of the first round of the draft was a worthwhile gamble, even if it will cost Dallas in the literal sense(he will remain on the salary cap) for several years. Now the Mavericks can proceed with re-signing Exum.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/mavericks-news/49904/dallas-mavericks-waive-olivier-maxence-prosper

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

The EuroBasket Corner: For Mavs fans who still want to follow international ball

For 30 years, Maverick fans have had to follow international basketball to not miss out on Dallas Mavericks players competing over the summer. Even though the Dallas front office may be done with Europeans in Dallas and traded them all away, doesn’t mean that Mavs fans are. You may still want to follow along, and if that’s the case, this is the place for you.

This week, Eurobasket officially began, and that means entertaining basketball and superstar clashes every day on the court – and friction between nations and players – off the court. Every day for three weeks.

This EuroBasket Corner will give you the big stories, as well as the small rumors, beef and drama of the tournament.

Let’s start with Slovenia, a team well known to Mavs fans, with a superstar trying to hold it all together, as per the usual. It’s a story as old as time, Luka Doncic once again having to carry and lead a roster of mediocre players. But the new part is that during the prep phase some internal drama, usually kept private, saw the light of day, involving the Dragic’s and the team’s leadership. This is a much more complicated story, and its beginnings go back years, but if you’re interested in the newest developments, you can read more about that story here.

Luka Doncic was also reportedly more disappointed in his team and their effort than ever after the substantial loss to Serbia in the last prep game. According to coach Sekulic, Doncic had a lot to say to the group after the game. Edo Muric said afterwards that the team never felt so bad before as they did after that game. Muric described it as a “reality check” and emphasized that now the team is extra motivated to prove themselves, because they don’t want that to happen again.

Unfortunately, Doncic’s disappointment has plenty of reason to linger, as Slovenia took a hit with a loss in their first game Thursday against Poland 95-105. Like the ghosts of quarterfinals past (Eurobasket 2022), Poland didn’t let Slovenia get close more than once and their modest depth was too much for the Slovenian roster. As Alen Omic, their newly returned big man, hesitated to be an offensive threat, Slovenia went small with Edo Muric on the five. This was where Slovenia was best, but the lack of depth is a challenge not even Luka Doncic can overcome by himself.

Doncic showed a significant improvement in his quickness on defense from the perimeter, as well as his first step, however, and was extremely focused both on offense and defense. A summer well-spent is clearly showing off.

LUKA STUFF

What a defensive sequence for the Slovenian star. pic.twitter.com/uYodhits30

— NBA (@NBA) August 28, 2025

Nikola Jokic and Serbia keep looking like the best team in the world, yes I said it and stand by it, and in their first 98-64 win over Estonia, they lived up to all the hype. And of course Jokic keeps looking like the best player in the world.

This angle
pic.twitter.com/ifIcZgacGy

— Dan (@the_d_reed) August 27, 2025

Türkiye also looked impressive in their first game, the size of this team is extraordinary and Alperen Sengun (Houston Rockets) just keeps dominating. With a roster full of EuroLeague stars next to Sengun, like Shane Larkin and Cedi Osman, the question is now: could they be a real contender? A team to watch and a player to watch.

Sengun showed out in Türkiye's opening @EuroBasket win

16 points
8 boards
7 dimes
1 insane block pic.twitter.com/3pbiaqq07u

— NBA (@NBA) August 27, 2025

Giannis Antetokounmpo looked like NBA MVP Giannis in Greece’s first win against Italy, where he completely dominated in the paint and showed just how much of a force he can be. Greece may be one to watch, as well, if he keeps this up, because not many teams in this tournament have players who can stop him downhill or in the paint – and Greece has more depth than most teams. Giannis had 31 points in the 75-66 win over Italy.

points for an unstoppable Giannis tonight #EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/p3jTwyyKjZ

— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) August 28, 2025

Upset of the day: Tiny country and huge underdog Georgia upset the reigning champions Spain in their first game 83-69. Impressive start for Georgia led by NBA players Mamu (Sandro Mamukelashvili, Toronto Raptors) and Goga Bitadze (Orlando Magic).

UPSET ALERT

Mamu and Bitadze combine for 34PTS to help Georgia take down the reigning champs Spain!#EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/TVWOtCTWk3

— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) August 28, 2025

Lauri Markkanen (Utah Jazz) is famous for his FIBA dominance by now and seems to take a leap with every competition in Finland’s blue and white colors. He averaged 40 points in three prep games and almost 54 percent from three. Markkanen and Finland got their first win in the Nordic matchup against Sweden 90-93.

Jonas Valanciunas of Lithuania (and the Denver Nuggets) put up a great performance in their win against Great Britain and he managed to rise to fourth in the FIBA EuroBasket rebounding charts, overtaking Spain’s Marc Gasol on the opening day.

Beef of the day – or kerfuffle may be a better word here – goes to the old emotions-on-hissleeve Luka Doncic, who is not a fan of losing to Poland and was upset at the officiating most of the second half.

Things are getting heated between Luka Doncic and the Polish national team #EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/yHyvC5UV87

— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) August 28, 2025

FIBA Eurobasket takes place from 27. August to 14. September. You can subscribe to access all games here: Courtside 1891.

Find more Beyond Basketball pieces here.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/beyond-basketball/49885/eurobasket-for-dallas-mavericks-fans

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

Can Kyrie Irving return to peak form?

At almost six months to the week since he suffered a torn ACL in his left knee, clips are beginning to surface of Kyrie Irving getting some work in on the basketball court. Mind you, he has a long way to go, but seeing Irving shooting and nailing shots from behind the arch (in the below clip) does provide some modicum of comfort that his return to form could come sooner than later. But how close to full form will that be? Obviously, as with any major injury, you don’t want him to rush back or return before it’s fully healed (i.e. Anthony Davis in his first Dallas Mavericks game, SMH…). But it does appear as if he’s been doing everything within his power these last 6 months to get himself on track for a full (and hopefully speedy) recovery. While being able to hit a jump shot doesn’t translate to lateral quickness, it is nevertheless a good sign to see him this far along in mobility work.

Kyrie was seen getting shots up at the NBPA facility in New York

( @CountOnVic) pic.twitter.com/s6v8wnxlJz

— Kyrie Center (@kyriecenterig) August 30, 2025

The impact of last season’s blockbuster trade can be seen in equal measures within the team’s stacked front court as well as its depleted back court. Irving’s injury not only spelled doom for the Maverick’s playoff chances last year, it also created a huge question mark for their expectations this coming season. Without a reliable (to say nothing of elite) facilitator/deep threat/drive threat (etc.) to keep the defenses honest, teams will no doubt cheat towards help in the paint in an effort to quell the Mav’s hugely talented (and just plain huge) front court.

The addition of D’Angelo Russell this offseason will serve as something of a stopgap. He can give you 25 minutes and 12 points on the regular, but there’s a reason he’s been moved seven times in ten years. He’s not in the upper echelon of guards. Bringing back Dante Exum will help from a defensive standpoint, but it’s hard to imagine him willing himself into becoming the standout guard that ties everything together for Dallas next season. While I could’ve imagined Jaden Hardy eventually being that player immediately after witnessing his rookie season, it’s not even worth considering at this point. Max Christie? Brandon Williams? TBD. They have enough talent to get by, but with the absence of Irving so soon after Doncic’s departure, the team’s available guard talent has quickly gone from elite to middling.

Be that as it may, if the defense-first roster and mindset Dallas has been working on can be successful enough to get into the playoffs, Irving’s return – if he’s at anywhere near his 100% from the last couple of years – could well be the spark that gets them over the hump. With many assuming that there’s little chance he can return to his previous peak condition at his age after such a serious injury, it’s worth wondering what the chances are that he actually can. I think the real question is, assuming that he doesn’t, how close does he have to get to that peak form to lead them to a championship? His on-court IQ and the overall leadership he’s demonstrated since becoming a Maverick are intangibles that can make up for some small loss of performance speed. Only time will tell whose expectations are the most accurate.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/mavericks-roster/49903/can-kyrie-irving-return-to-peak-form

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

Three tips to help Cowboys fans get over the worst trade in your franchise’s history

For the second time in seven months, a Dallas franchise has traded their cornerstone player. One week before their season opener, the Dallas Cowboys traded all world EDGE rusher Micah Parsons to a longtime rival of the Cowboys, the Green Bay Packers. The Cowboys netted two first-round picks (which is one more than the Mavs got for Luka, but who’s counting?) and a quality starter, but it is still seen as a below market return.

The city of Dallas has now seen both Micah Parsons and Luka Dončić — each currently just 26 years old — traded away in 2025. pic.twitter.com/oAVBOUVFGJ

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 28, 2025

As survivors of the even worse Luka Doncic trade, we here at Mavs Moneyball would like to offer some advice to our good friends at Blogging the Boys and Cowboys fans everywhere.

Anger and apathy​

“Fire Nico” took on a life of its own over the course of the last seven months, with fiery renditions of the chant being heard everywhere from the American Airlines Center to your local grocery store. We here at Mavs Moneyball wrote countless articles voicing our displeasure. To be honest, it felt good to get that off of our chests! Nothing is stopping you from this as well. Cowboy fans have been mad at Jerry for 25 years now, so surely you’ve got plenty of ammunition.

I expect fireworks at home games, especially when the Packers come to town September 28th. After that, why not focus all of your football love into Saturday’s? The college game is boatloads of total chaos. Indifference and apathy are key here. Go hit that no good Cowboy organization where it hurts: Their wallet.

“Give the new guy a chance!” is nice, but not reality​

I don’t mean this in a cold hearted way, but more as just a realist. The majority of fans you’ll come across hold no ill will towards Anthony Davis or Max Christie. But you can ask that same majority of fans whether or not they root for or like those players, and you’ll hear a wider variety of answers. The same will go here for the Cowboys. Kenny Clark is a very good player and likeable guy. But much like Davis, he’s walking into a situation that he can’t win. No matter what, he is not Micah Parsons and that is okay to admit. The best way forward is to totally flip the page.

It’s okay to follow the old guy, too​

Cowboy fans spent four years watching Micah Parsons grow into one of the very best players in the NFL. That journey is amazing, just like watching Doncic develop into the killer that he is, too. When that is very suddenly ripped away, it’s hard to compartmentalize. There’s nothing wrong with rooting for your guy as well as your team. Sports are supposed to be galvanizing, passionate, and inherently joyful. When your team chooses to make them none of those things, it’s okay to follow the player who did make you feel that.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/site-...er-the-worst-trade-in-your-franchises-history

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

SB Reacts: Coming off the bench for the Dallas Mavericks

Earlier this week, we ran a poll asking which of three Dallas Mavericks players would be the odd man out of the starting line up and would have to come off the bench. The results were definitive, but still worth discussing.

I think we can make the assumption that Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, and a healthy Derrick Lively are locked in as starters (but okay toss in Daniel Gafford instead of you want him as the center, it’s fine either way). That’s three guys, which leaves two spots between the guys in the poll: Cooper Flagg, Klay Thompson, and PJ Washington.

Washington getting 50% of the vote of who is coming off the bench makes the most sense. I think I wouldn’t mind Flagg starting the season that way, but PJ is primed to be like Antawn Jameson was for the Mavericks 20 years ago. He hopefully signs an extension soon, so we can worry about his role a little less.

Klay Thompson coming in at second with 34% the vote is interesting. I wonder if the fans who think he should be the guy off the bench forget who else is good at actually dribbling. It’s not a strong suit of PJ, but he’s fine in a pinch. Klay can actually handle the rock and the Mavericks need that.

Cooper Flagg got just 16% of the vote. To me, that means fans want him to start, and second, there’s a growing appreciation for what his ball handling brings to a team that lacks it. Thereare still lots of fun Flagg bets at FanDuel that you should totally check out here. Flagg off the bench provides a real punch, but I doubt it happens, Flagg’s just that good.

It’s going to be interesting to see what does and doesn’t work when the Mavericks season starts. They have a lot of options and a somewhat soft schedule to try different combinations.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/maver...coming-off-the-bench-for-the-dallas-mavericks

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

Five Mavericks made the list of the top 25 players since 2000

CBS Sports recently released a list of the 25 best players from the last 25 years:

CBS Sports’ Top 25 NBA players of the 21st century:

1. LeBron James
2. Stephen Curry
3. Tim Duncan
4. Nikola Jokic
5. Shaquille O'Neal
6. Kobe Bryant
7. Giannis Antetokounmpo
8. Kevin Durant
9. Kevin Garnett
10. Dirk Nowitzki
11. Dwyane Wade
12. Chris Paul
13. Kawhi…

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 25, 2025

LeBron James clocks in at number one, and Russell Westbrook sneaks on at 25. In between them, five Mavericks players appear, with Dirk Nowitzki leading the pack at number 10. Head coach Jason Kidd and Anthony Davis both cracked the top 20, ranked 17th and 19th, respectively. Luka Doncic is ahead of Kidd at 17, and Steve Nash is just in front of him at 14. In a lot of ways, these five players have been the defining quintet when you talk about the biggest storylines for Dallas over the last quarter-century. It makes sense that they are all among the best guys to have played since the turn of the century.

Nowitzki resides just above Dwyane Wade (11) and below Kevin Garnett (9). It is a bit of a give-and-take to have Nowitzki there; on one hand, it is sweet to see him above Wade, who is on a short list of Mavericks villains. On the other hand, having him below Garnett is offensive to the career Nowitzki had and the legacy he left, especially when you factor in Nowitzki’s 33 points and 16 rebounds a night in his three-game sweep of Garnett in 2002.

Steve Nash is sandwiched between Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. Having him ahead of Harden is interesting, as they both do not have a ring, and The Beard is one of the most prolific scorers to ever play the game. Of course, Nash affected the game in a way that statistics don’t totally capture, and he has two MVP awards. Having them back-to-back on this list is quite the nod to Mike D’Antoni.

Luka Doncic and Jason Kidd are behind them, making three Mavericks point guards in four spots. Doncic’s talent certainly would warrant a higher ranking, but it is hard to place him above any of the 15 guys ahead of him, who all have tenure that he doesn’t. Kidd‘s ranking is probably correct, and just like Nash, his statistics didn’t fully quantify his impact.

Anthony Davis rounds out the collection of Mavericks as he sneaks in the top 20 behind Dwight Howard and in front of Allen Iverson. This is another solid position, but I have to imagine that if Davis had more than one ring, or perhaps even won his championship under different circumstances, he would be much higher on this list. He was in “future face of the league” talks early in his career, but he just never elevated to the top like a lot of people thought he would. Either way, he is an elite talent and deserves his rank on the list.

There will be plenty of lists released in the future like this one. Although these aren’t the gospel, they do show a consensus that the Mavericks and their players have been key pieces of the league for a long time. Now Dallas has a young rookie in Cooper Flagg who projects to be a great player. Maybe when the next one of these all-encompassing lists is released, the Mavericks will have six guys on it, or more.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/maver...ade-the-list-of-the-top-25-players-since-2000

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

PJ Washington, Dallas Mavericks agree to 4-year, $90 million extension

The Dallas Mavericks have agreed to terms on a contract extension with forward PJ Washington. The deal, worth a reported $90 million over four years, was first reported by Shams Charania of ESPN.

Dallas Mavericks forward PJ Washington has agreed to a four-year, $90 million contract extension with the franchise, agent Kevin Bradbury of LIFT Sports Management told ESPN. Washington secures a new deal that keeps him in Dallas through 2029-30. pic.twitter.com/v28jVbtMs9

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 3, 2025

Washington is playing on the final year of a three-year deal he signed with the Charlotte Hornets in the summer of 2023. He was later traded to the Dallas Mavericks in February of 2024, following the Mavericks failed attempt to trade for Kyle Kuzma.

His season and a half with the Dallas Mavericks has been very productive; he’s averaged 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two stocks a game. Without Washington, it’s safe to say Dallas doesn’t make the NBA Finals in 2024 as his lockdown defense and timely scoring were vital in the playoff run. Washington has played multiple roles, from lockdown defender to connecting piece, and even primary scorer when the team’s health woes demanded it. At 27 years old, he’s in the prime of his career and the Mavericks now have the opportunity to hold on to Washington for all of it.

According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the nature of the extension under the current CBA allows a raise of 140% off his salary this season. He makes $14.2 million in 2025-26, so the first year of his extension will come in at $19.8 million. The final year of the extension, in 2029-30, will pay him $24.6 million. He’s also not eligible to be traded during the 2025-26 NBA season.

Understanding that the extension doesn’t kick in until next season, it’s worth acknowledging that the Mavericks will be firmly over the NBA’s dreaded second apron in the 2026-27 season without any changes to the roster. However, there’s plenty of time for Dallas to find means to get under that threshold.

For now, it’s worth celebrating a well-earned deal that’s also friendly to the Mavericks. Washington is a talented player and one who I believe still has upside potential. The Mavericks went years without highly skilled forwards and now they have many such players. It’s a good roster problem to have.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/maver...avericks-agree-to-4-year-90-million-extension

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

The EuroBasket Corner: The Şengün and Jokic duel shows how stars are made on national teams

Stars are born on national teams. Their skills are sharpened in international competitions, confidence and experience boosted among countrymen and national team support.

Right now we’re watching it in real time with Alperen Şengün, the star of Türkiye and superstar of the NBA to come. I’ll get back to that spectacular game and the making of a superstar, which seemed to happen during it.

Like Lauri Markkanen, who firmly established himself on the NBA scene following his huge performance in Eurobasket 2022, earning him an NBA All Star spot and NBA Most Improved Player the following year in 2023. Now he is playing even better this Eurobasket, averaging 25.4 points, third in the competition.

Then there’s the feel-good story of Guershon Yabusele of France, who had a great Olympics 2024, in which he had an incredible poster dunk on LeBron James that put him on the radar in the US. That eventually led him to a contract with the Philadelphia 79’ers after five years in Europe and China.

GUERSHON YABUSELE'S POSTER ON LEBRON FROM ALL ANGLES #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/TKuUmzZlMH

— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) August 10, 2024

And Luka Doncic was a wonderkid in Real Madrid and Europe already, but really burst onto the international stage with his performance in Eurobasket 2017, where Slovenia took home the gold. International competitions have a way to hatch the biggest stars of the future.

Let’s return to Alperen Şengün. Yes, he was good last year in the NBA, but have you seen him in Eurobasket this year?

As Serbia has shown to be the best, deepest and most experienced team by far (in this tournament, and in the world at this point), Türkiye is the up-and-comer, the clear underdog to Serbia’s dominance, though with a bright future full of trophies, no doubt.

And in the middle of the raging success story that is Türkiye at this year’s Eurobasket, is Houston Rockets center Alperen Şengün. He has not only played well, he has dominated every game, led Türkiye and a team of great EuroLeague and NBA players and is averaging 21.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 6.8 assists. All at the tender age of 23.

We knew we were in store for a battle at the five in this game of the giants – Jokic versus Şengün, but we had no idea how much of a duel extraordinaire it would be.

Right off the bat in the first quarter, Jokic does a post move with the soft finish for the two, and while Serbia’s fans chant “MVP” for Jokic, Şengün gets the ball in the other end and hits a perfect three, silencing the Serbs. That starts the Turkish fans, who take over the “MVP” chants. What a start, what a duel of the ages. What a wonderful scene for the best basketball imaginable.

They call him baby Jokic, but Şengün is now a grown man, beating Jokic on the post and with his three-point shots. The soft finish and vision are so similar, however. They are equal in size. Şengün is 23 and Jokic 30. One a three-time NBA MVP award recipient and the other bound to step in his footsteps if he keeps this level up.

Alperen Sengun: 28 PTS 13 REB 8 AST
Nikola Jokic: 22 PTS 9 REB 4 AST 3 STL

A duel for the ages in one of the best #EuroBasket games of all-time! pic.twitter.com/reO1uqA6dy

— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) September 3, 2025

Outshining Jokic at times, Şengün seems to have found his stride and personality on the international stage. And is there a better place to do just that than when you’re surrounded by your countrymen? A star is born, a superstar of the future has established himself.

As the game was tied at 40 just before the break, Serbia’s best defender Aleksa Avramovic leaves with an injury. But Serbia keeps going. Here, the system is bigger than the individual (for a team who just lost Bogdan Bogdanovic to injury, as well, you wouldn’t know unless you really paid attention).

And Türkiye gets the lead with two minutes left, winning by five in a fight to the last second. Şengün’s fingerprints were all over the game. It was this defensive play that helped Türkiye hold on to the lead:

Sengun not only made the free throws to give them the lead but also made the biggest defensive play of the game pic.twitter.com/wTrtUYwfjN

— Lachard Binkley (@BinkleyHoops) September 3, 2025

This was the best game of the tournament, an NBA playoff worthy game. Evenly matched teams, one superstar peaking now, the other one on his way.

If these teams meet later in the knockout stage (or dare I say final), this is going to be a dream come true for basketball fans. Under pressure, experience usually comes out on top, and Serbia will be the favorite despite this loss.

In international basketball, we get the chance to watch the stars and superstars of the future fulfill and rise to their potential. The safety and community in playing with your countrymen, paired with the shorter format of a tournament, and the pressure to perform, give the players a unique chance to rise to the occasion and grow.

This is where we see the international stars of the future come onto the big stage, and if the intense, physical, high IQ basketball wasn’t enough reason to watch, this should be.

The Round of 16, which is the start of the knockout stage, begins on Saturday, September 6.

Find more Beyond Basketball pieces here.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/beyon...el-shows-how-stars-are-made-on-national-teams

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

Podcast: PJ Washington contract extension, fan accosts Nico, and Mark Cuban on DLLS

Due to a host of ridiculous reasons, Josh and I failed to record Monday, then Tuesday and Wednesday, then forgot that we’d be recording in the middle of the Cowboys game. Lucky for us, we started recording during halftime then there was a weather delay.

We start off talking about PJ Washington finally getting the expected contract extension on Wednesday. It’s a nice bit of news that takes care of some potential issues that might have arisen had he elected to play out the rest of his contract and enter free agency.

After that, we touch on two small issues. First, Kyrie Irving shooting the basketball on a Dallas social media clip and what it does and doesn’t mean, at least in our view. Second, we talk about the Twitter video of a fan accosting Nico Harrison at an Addison restaurant.

We record a postgame show after every Dallas game live on YouTube! Click and subscribe!

After returning from a break, we spend the last part of the show talking about Mark Cuban going on the DLLS podcast. While he said a lot in an hour, we found his mention of Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively’s shooting to be the most interesting. Josh disagrees and thinks Dallas needs to lean in and play smashmouth basketball. I’d like to see both take some threes as Dallas simply has no spacing.

You can listen to our latest podcast episode in the player embedded below, and to make sure you don’t miss a single one moving forward, subscribe to the Pod Maverick podcast feed on Apple, Spotify, Pandora, Pocketcasts, YouTube, YouTube Podcasts, Amazon Music, Castbox.

You can check out our After Dark Recap podcasts, YouTube Live recordings, and guest shows on the Pod Maverick Podcast feed. Please subscribe, rate, and review.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/pod-m...tract-extension-nico-harrison-mark-cuban-dlls

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

Mavericks Head Coach Jason Kidd enters Naismith Hall of Fame, again

Jason Kidd is already a Nasmith Hall of Famer, joining the elite group as part of the 2018 Class, along side Steve Nash and Grant Hill. Saturday evening, Kidd entered the Hall again in a different capacity: as a member of the 2008 Redeem Team.

Kidd, joined by teammates LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, Carlos Boozer, Chris Bosh, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, Tayshaun Prince, Michael Redd, and Deron Williams, as well as head coach Mike Krzyzewski, and assistant coaches Jim Boeheim and Mike D’Antoni, entered the Hall as a part of the 2025 Class.

This team holds a special place in basketball history. After dominating the Olympics in 1992, 1996, and 2000, Team USA fell in surprising fashion in Greece in 2004, winning Bronze. That particular team was not well constructed and featured many up-and-coming stars like James who had not yet entered their prime. Team USA also took Bronze in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, prompting America’s best players to vocally declare it was time to take back the gold.

Led by Kobe Bryant, since deceased in a tragic plane crash, Team USA dominated in China, really only getting tested by Spain in the Gold medal game. While Kidd played in all eight contests, he played a supplementary role, averaging around 13 minutes a contest.

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While Kidd had extensive experience with Team USA dating back to the late 90’s, he took a break from 2003 until 2007 when he rejoined the team as America needed to qualify for the Olympics in the FIBA Americas tournament. By August of 2008, he was 35 years old and firmly in the veteran portion of his career (though he would still play five more years in the NBA). Kidd was the oldest player on the team by five years, with Kobe Bryant the only other member in his 30’s (Kobe was exactly 30).

In the breadth of Kidd’s long career, his rostering on this team is hard to rank. But in basketball history, this team is very important, particularly for American basketball. It’s really cool that Kidd is a part of history in this way.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/maver...jason-kidd-enters-naismith-hall-of-fame-again

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

MMBets: Can the Knicks get over the hump?

Last year, the New York Knicks flipped their roster around just days before the start of training camp. Out went Julius Randle and Donte Divincenzo, and in came Karl-Anthony Towns. All in all, it worked well. The offense was supercharged, and the defense was just good enough.

Fifty-one wins later, the Knicks were able to sneak past the pesky Detroit Pistons in the first round before knocking out the defending NBA Champion Boston Celtics in round two. However, the Knicks were no match for the Eastern Conference’s team of destiny in the Eastern Conference Finals, losing to the Indiana Pacers in six games.

Following the season, ownership decided it was time to move on from Tom Thibodeau. Thibs was easily the best coach that the franchise has had over the last ten to fifteen years, but clearly his style was beginning to wear on people. After an arduous search, the Knicks landed on former Kings coach Mike Brown to lead them forward. Brown uses his bench, which is probably the only prerequisite required to be the next coach of the Knicks. However, stylistically he is like Thibs. We’ll see how long he can last in the Big Apple.

---

New York Knicks: Over/Under 53.5 wins (-104/-118)​

Last season: 51-31​

Additions: Guerschon Yabusele, Jordan Clarkson, Coach Mike Brown​

Losses: Coach Tom Thibodeau​

For the most part, the Knicks are running last year’s team back. Health became an issue late in the season, with Jalen Brunson missing time right before the playoffs. Is part of that on Thibodeau’s coaching style? Ownership sure thought so, as Thibs was sent packing. Mike Brown is likely not an upgrade on pure coaching prowess, but he does use the bench so he has that going for him. They went under 54.5 wins last year, and I don’t think this team is markedly better than last year’s Eastern Conference Finalists.

Prediction: Under 53.5 wins​

Odds via the FanDuel Sportsbook and are subject to change. Wager responsibly!​

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/dalla...cks-2025-26-season-preview-fanduel-sportsbook

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

Mavericks announce 2025-26 coaching staff, including this 1990’s fan favorite

The Dallas Mavericks announced their 2025-26 coaching staff on Monday, making Frank Vogel’s position of associate coach official and rounding out the staff that will try to thread the needle of winning on two timelines with a mix of veterans and youth throughout the team’s roster.

Jay Triano, Popeye Jones, Phil Handy, Mike Penberthy, Dru Anthrop and Jordan Sears will join returning coaches Eric Hughes, Josh Broghamer and Keith Veney as assistant coaches under head coach Jason Kidd, according to Monday’s press release.

Frank Vogel will become the Mavericks’ lead assistant coach after serving one season as a coaching consultant for the team. Before his time in Dallas, Vogel served as the head coach of the Phoenix Suns in 2023-24, following his previous tenure as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers from 2019 to 2022. During his tenure with the Lakers, Vogel led the franchise to the 2020 NBA championship with Kidd as an assistant coach. Before Los Angeles, Vogel served as head coach for both the Orlando Magic (2016-18) and the Indiana Pacers (2011-16).

In addition to his experience as a head coach, he served as an assistant coach with the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics (2001-04). Vogel graduated from the University of Kentucky, where he was a student manager for the Wildcats Men’s Basketball Team.

Ronald Jerome “Popeye” Jones returns to the Mavericks after most recently serving as an assistant coach for the Denver Nuggets (2021-25), where he was a member of the coaching staff for Denver’s 2023 NBA championship team. Jones, who previously served as an assistant coach with the Philadelphia 76ers (2020-21) and the Indiana Pacers (2013-20), held roles in player development with the Brooklyn/New Jersey Nets and the Dallas Mavericks before becoming an assistant coach.

Jones played 11 seasons in the NBA, including four seasons with Dallas (1994-96 and 2003), where he set the franchise record for most rebounds in a game (28 vs. Indiana on Jan. 9, 1996). He played alongside Kidd and averaged a double-double in the last two seasons of his first stint with the Mavs. Jones also spent time as a player with the Toronto Raptors (1997-98), Boston Celtics (1999), Denver Nuggets (2000), Washington Wizards (2001-02), and Golden State Warriors (2004) after playing collegiately at Murray State University.

It was rumored this summer that Jones would assume the “third assistant” role with Kidd’s coaching staff this season. Known for his frenzied work ethic in his playing days, Jones now thrives in the film room and prides himself on teaching fundamentals like spacing, screening, and team-oriented play.

Through exhaustive research, the investigative reporters here at Mavs Moneyball believe we have uncovered the exact moment that Jones realized molding young basketball talent would be his future calling. In 1996, following Jones’ third season with the Mavs, a young baller named Kirk Henderson attended his 1996 basketball camp, and the two Golden Gods of the Game got together for this now-famous photo op.

Probably doesnt count as famous but I ran into Popeye Jones in the Summer League media section and it was at a lull in the game, so I chatted him up then told him I went to his 1996 basketball camp and showed him this photo of us lol https://t.co/b8of4kHf40 pic.twitter.com/LuFCFS2h0W

— Kirk Henderson (@KirkSeriousFace) May 13, 2021

Just look at the success that meeting of the basketball minds resulted in. Now, Jones will try to work that same magic with incoming rookie phenom Cooper Flagg.

Jay Triano, the Mavs’ new second assistant, brings over two decades of coaching experience to Dallas, including 308 combined games as a head coach with the Toronto Raptors and Phoenix Suns. He most recently served as an assistant coach with the Sacramento Kings from 2022-25 after spending four seasons with the Charlotte Hornets (2018-22) and two seasons as the associate head coach and interim head coach of the Suns (2016-18).

Phil Handy joins the Mavericks staff with three NBA championship titles (2016, 2019, 2020) under his belt. He most recently served as head coach of the Mist Basketball Club in the Unrivaled League after serving as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers (2019-2024), the Raptors (2018-19), and the Cleveland Cavaliers (2013-18).

Jordan Sears rejoins the Mavericks after spending the last two seasons (2023-25) as the head coach of the Texas Legends, the Dallas Mavericks G League affiliate. Before his head coach tenure in Frisco, Sears served as the head video coordinator for the Mavericks for two seasons.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/maver...ching-staff-including-this-1990s-fan-favorite

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

MMBets: What are the Toronto Raptors?

Toronto was a city of champions just a few short years ago. These days, the Raptors are an exercise in futility, and the Leafs are the Leafs. Hey, at least those Blue Jays are good!

I’m struggling to come to grips with what this organization is exactly doing. They make the OG Anunoby trade, which brings back RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. Then last year, they do a trade for Brandon Ingram. Now, we take Collin Murray-Boyles in the draft, only to fire the Masai Ujiri, the GM who made all of these moves, AFTER the offseason is already done? As a wise man once said, “WHAT ARE WE DOING?”

The Raps are a very weird amalgamation of dudes between 6’5” and 6’10”, with Jakob Poeltl being just about the only exception. Is a team that rolls out Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram and RJ Barrett at the same time capable of doing, well, anything? They lose Chris Boucher, who was a great culture piece for them, along with former Maverick great Kelly Olynik (IYKYK). Let’s get to the odds.

Toronto Raptors: Over/Under 37.5 wins (-148/+120)​

Last season: 30-52​

Additions: Collin Murray-Boyles (9th pick in NBA Draft), Sandro Mamukelashvili​

Losses: Chris Boucher (Boston), Bruce Brown (Denver), Kelly Olynik (San Antonio)​

I couldn’t make sense of this team last year, and it’s even worse for me this season. What is the objective here? Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Brandon Ingram are all good players, but they each are uniquely frustrating as well. Murray-Boyles is a very interesting draft pick, but where does he fit alongside the rest of this roster? This team is a prime candidate for a trade deadline blow up. It’s under all the way here for me, especially at a number that’s eight wins ahead of what they were last season at a nice plus number.

Prediction: Under 37.5 wins​

Odds provided by the FanDuel Sportsbook and are subject to change. Wager responsibly!​

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/dalla...2025-26-nba-season-preview-fanduel-sportsbook

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

Mark Cuban says Nico Harrison didn’t want him around

At this week’s All-In Summit, Mark Cuban appeared on a debate with Tucker Carlson, where the two discussed “how to save America”. In the early part of the show, before Carlson joined Cuban, the former Dallas Mavericks owner was asked to rehash what happened following his selling the team and why he didn’t retain any control by one of the hosts, Jason Calacanis.

Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban on why he was not able to retain control of basketball operations when he sold the team:

“…some things happened internally and the person [Nico Harrison] who traded Luka [Dončić] didn’t want me there.” #MFFL

(: @theallinpod) pic.twitter.com/0eUpgOUXfC

— Kevin Gray Jr. (@KevinGraySports) September 10, 2025

Though he doesn’t use his name, Cuban is clearly saying Dallas Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison did not want him around. Cuban also confirms something speculated about for some time: during the Dallas run in the second half of the 2023-24 season all the way to the Finals, he more or less didn’t interject his opinion. As a result, Cuban lost whatever unofficial sway he may have had on decision-making as Harrison consolidated control.

And while it’s important to understand this clip is only a minute of an hour long discussion, the rest of which had nothing to do with basketball, I think we’ve arrived at the point where Cuban’s rehashing and slight re-editing of history every time he’s asked a variation of this question has run it’s course.

Mark Cuban is a willing talker and for that, I must give him credit in his willingness to be open. However, it’s starting to feel like he’ll speak to whomever has a microphone. There are elements of the Luka Doncic trade I will never let go, but ultimately it was Mark Cuban who hired Nico Harrison, it was Mark Cuban who sold the team to the Adelson family. His being friendly or being a minority owner is a nice to know, but it’s ultimately meaningless to how the Mavericks are run. Cuban said he “f-ed up” in his allowing his influence to wane, but that’s beyond the bigger point of by the time Dallas traded Luka Doncic, he hadn’t been an authority figure in the organization for over a season in a half.

We may never really escape this story, and as a Mavericks website we’re obligated to cover it. I knew about this interview within a few hours of it happening but waited to see if it would pop onto Mavericks social media. When it did, I felt obligated to write about it here. It’s maddening, because some of you know I’ll write about Nico any chance I get but he’s at least a meaningful member of the Mavericks organization now. Mark is not, but he still has his media megaphone.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/maver...uban-says-nico-harrison-didnt-want-him-around

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

MMBets: The Boston Celtics are now underrated

All in all, Boston is coming off one of the more disappointing seasons in recent memory. They were notoriously in cap hell, with a very small window to win a championship. Luckily, they went into last season as the defending champs, which helps cushion the blow of any impending doom.

They lost their best player in a second-round series where they got dominated for the most part, even before the injury. They had to trade away key pieces to their title run due to the tax implications of the second apron. In terms of a championship window, it is mostly closed with maybe a slight crack because someone forgot to shut it correctly. The outlook of the Celtics is grim, but that does not mean they won’t be competitive.

They still have Derrick White and Jaylen Brown, and their coach is still Joe Mazzulla. Tatum will be back next year, and they have time this season to build up some of their younger pieces. If anything, we are going to find out what kind of organization they have built and how good Mazzulla really is.

Boston Celtics: Over/Under 42.5 (+126/-154)​

Last Season: 61-21​

Additions: Anfernee Simons​

Losses: Jayson Tatum (injury), Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Al Horford​

Clearly, the book heavily values the losses that the Celtics have suffered to injury and the second apron. However, they won 61 games last year, and going under this line would mean a nearly 20-game drop off. I get it, Tatum is an All-NBA player. Horford and Porzingis complemented their team very well. Holiday was veteran leadership. But this team still has a lot of talent. Simons gives them a boost in scoring with Tatum out. They are very thin at center, but Mazzula is a madman and has not won fewer than 57 games as head coach. 43 wins in a very weak East is child’s play for this team, as different as they may be.

Prediction: Over 42.5 wins (+126)​

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/dalla...2025-26-nba-season-preview-fanduel-sportsbook

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

Wings wallop the Phoenix Mercury to cap a rough 2025 season

ARLINGTON, TX — The Dallas Wings (10-34) ended their disappointing 2025 season on a high note with a 97-76 win over the playoff-bound Phoenix Mercury (27-17) on Thursday at College Park Center

The Wings bookended a 1-11 stretch to begin the season with 10 losses in the last 11 games of the season, but, hey, at least they stuck the landing with Thursday’s win.

Paige Bueckers ignited the Wings’ offense late in the first quarter and led Dallas with 24 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in the win that gave Dallas a split in the Wings’ four games against Phoenix this season. Aziaha James came off the bench to chip in 18 points and eight boards in the win.

After falling behind early in the first, the Wings poured it on for 35 of the final 40 minutes of the year. They outscored Phoenix 57-32 in the second and third quarters behind an offensive onslaught from Bueckers, James and Amy Okonkwo. The trio canned 8-of-18 from 3-point range in the win.

“The results are coming. I promise,” Bueckers told the crowd during an on-court interview after the game. “Stick with us.”

Former Wing Satou Sabally led the Mercury with 14 points in the loss, which moves Phoenix into a tie in the standings with the New York Liberty.

The Wings will still carry the best odds of getting a second straight No. 1 overall draft pick in next year’s draft after the season-ending win.

With all the ugliness and the few bright spots of the 2025 season behind us, here are a few things Wings fans have to look forward to in the WNBA offseason.

Paige for ROY​

Bueckers entered Thursday’s game already in fourth place all-time in points scored in a WNBA rookie season, with 668. She left the game with 24 more, moving her to third all-time, just ahead of A’ja Wilson’s 682 in 2018. The WNBA added four games to each team’s regular season schedule this year, but Bueckers piled up her 692 points in just 36 games played in her rookie year.

Bueckers’ only real competition for 2025 Rookie of the Year would seem to be Sonia Citron or Kiki Iriafen, both of whom play for the Washington Mystics. That being the case, the two teammates have cannibalized each other’s chances at the postseason award to some extent. Citron plays a similar game to Beuckers but is more perimeter-oriented and averages 14.4 points and four rebounds per game. Iriafen is a force inside for Washington, averaging 13.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game in her rookie season.

Paige has this thing all but wrapped up by virtue of being fifth in the league in scoring in her rookie season at 19.1 points per game and ninth in assists at 5.3 per game. She scored 35 points at Phoenix early in the year, then followed it up with a new rookie record for scoring in a single game with 44 points in an 81-80 loss at the Los Angeles Sparks on Aug. 20.

Does Chris Koclanes survive the offseason?​

My read on this one is yes. Although fans of the team have suffered through two nine-win seasons in a row, the fact that last offseason brought with it a new general manager in Curt Miller, a new head coach in Koclanes and the No. 1 overall WNBA Draft pick in Bueckers means that 2025 was really the first year of a new timeline. That’s probably little consolation for Wings fans who feel like their team occupies the innermost circle of WNBA Hell, but Koclanes was hand-picked by Miller out of the college ranks having never been a head coach at either the collegiate or professional level , so it would take calamity on a far larger scale than questionable lineups at times, long losing streaks or meme-worthy moments caught during timeouts.

paige’s reaction i’m ctfu pic.twitter.com/1HMjeXsVLd

— ria✧˖° (@love_wbb) July 26, 2025

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A post shared by B/R W Sports (@brwsports)

Forward Myisha Hines-Allen told reporters on Sunday, Aug. 10 before the Wings’ game against the Mystics that the team fully supports Koclanes.

“We’re all behind Chris,” Hines-Allen said. “It’s his first year. I think that [negativity] gets tossed around. This is his first season being a head coach. He has a whole new roster, so we have to give him grace in the sense of like, he’s new to this, we’re new to this, it’s a whole new system and I think that’s the biggest thing. You can ask my teammates, you can ask anybody in this organization, we trust him. We believe in him. It goes both ways, too. Him trusting us, us trusting him, and just knowing our end goal. Building this culture into a winning culture so people want to come play for the Dallas Wings.

The stack of injuries the Wings have faced this season is a bigger reason for Dallas’ lack of progress in 2025 than are any of Koclanes’ perceived failings.

Will a new CBA get done?​

The WNBA Players Association opted out of the collective bargaining agreement between players and ownership last year, and talks between player reps and league owners apparently went nowhere during the 2025 WNBA All-Star break. If the two sides don’t agree to a new one by October or shortly after, the possibility of a work stoppage in 2026 begins to loom. A new agreement needs to be in place before the league holds another expansion draft ahead of next seasons.

In light of the expansion draft and all the potential ramifications of a long-term fight between players and ownership that may come, odds are that when we next see the Wings on the hardwood, the team will once again look very different than the team looked at the beginning of 2025.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/dalla...efeat-phoenix-mercury-recap-final-score-97-76

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

The EuroBasket Corner: Does the unpredictability of a knockout phase force the better basketball?

As the drama of EuroBasket unfolds and exceeds all expectations when it comes to entertainment value, the knockout stage format has delivered, and has proved extremely efficient at forcing the best basketball possible out of each team.

That begs the obvious question: Is a knockout format a better way to force the purest and most entertaining basketball than a seven game series?

First, let’s get the economic aspect out of the way. Yes, the NBA wants to make as much money as possible and with a potential seven game series, they are able to squeeze as much as possible out of the best basketball teams in the world and their fans.

But, if we look beyond that, the discussion of whether a longer game series or a knockout stage help create the best environment for the most competitive, entertaining, creative – and purest – basketball possible, is enticing.

Because when the question is whether the long playoff series creates better basketball – rather than the most money – the perspective, and perhaps the answer, changes.

All the positives of a long series format are evident: The waiting game, the back-and-forth chess match, the drawn out excitement for fans and the game-to-game adjustments. Who comes out on top in the end?

On the other hand, the quick one-and-done, winner-takes-it-all, whoever has it on the day moves on can sometimes end up not really reflecting the talent of a team.

Both formats obviously provide great moments. We know that historically. But the process and the price of each one are costly. In very different ways.

One pushes the players – and especially stars – to their limit. After playing 82 NBA games, they now have to try and stay healthy through the grueling schedule of one or more playoff series. Flying back and forth, missing sleep and recovery time, the athletes have barely had a break for six months before it even starts.

That puts an incredible strain and pressure on the athletes mentally – but especially physically. And it requires a roster construction built to weather all kinds of storms. Lack of depth will prevent you from going far and injuries seem to determine your chances for a deep run. It sometimes feels like it’s the last star or team standing – whoever can stay healthy long enough. Who can keep their players on the floor? Who has the better physical therapy staff?

In the seven game series format, it doesn’t necessarily matter if you have the best team and the biggest stars. If they can’t stay healthy, or stay healthy at the same time, all you have is a mediocre group. Just look at the Dallas Mavericks this season – and the last.

In this aspect, the knockout format has the upper hand. You play one game and move on or go home. Athletes are not pushed to the limit physically over many games, which leaves them with more energy to put up their best effort.

The question is, whether that doesn’t provide the better and purer basketball?

To have your stars and entire team one hundred percent focused and healthy, not holding back – but putting everything they have on the floor, because they only have this one shot, one game. Gone are the worries of staying healthy, here the teams are focused on this game and surviving this round.

On the other hand, with only one game in each round, however, you miss some of the long game format upsides. The chess match strategizing and adjustments. The deep-dive scouting, the time to reflect and adjust between games.

As a fan, one of the best aspects of a longer game series is watching the coaches and players adjust, keep an eye on what they come up with next. It’s a waiting game, a back-and-forth, where the coaching staff really has time to try new things and surprise the opponent.

In the knockout stage, you have what you show up with. You have to trust that all the work you’ve already done is enough to get the win, and you have to trust your team to be ready and focused from start to finish. There is no time to find your rhythm or gel. The time is now and it waits for no one.

But the truth is that there probably is a time for everything. Like in real life, things are not black and white, good or bad. Both formats have incredible entertainment value in different ways.

And to the question of which type help create the purest basketball, the answer is easy:

It all depends on how you define the idea of pure basketball. And that is most likely connected to your cultural values.

Do you think it’s all about getting the most out of the product (the stars), and enjoying the long chess match, getting excited to see them fight it out over many games? Then you probably prefer the seven game format.

Or do you adhere to the thought of pure basketball being all about who’s the better team on the day, and what coaches, players and stars manage to arrive the most prepared, ready and focused to give it everything they have right here, right now? Then the knockout stage is for you.

European and American values are very different, when it comes to this. One side often makes money, contract size and number of viewers a main point. The other usually prefers loyalty, connection and the system over the individual paycheck.

If big moments make stars, then the pressure of the moment in a knockout game makes superstars. We see that happening in FIBA tournaments every year. I wrote more about that here.

And the truth is that pure basketball is not defined as the same thing in the US as it is in Europe and other places in the world, which is why having two formats makes a lot of sense. Both perspectives and formats have their upsides and downsides, and in many ways both are made to fit their surroundings.

The discussion shouldn’t be whether one is better than the other, but the fact that both bring different things out of the players, teams and coaches.

Find more Beyond Basketball pieces here.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/beyon...-a-knockout-phase-force-the-better-basketball

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

How can you not be romantic about basketball?

I was in El Califate, Argentina when I took this picture. About to run a marathon through the mountains of Patagonia (as one does, and don’t worry, this story isn’t about that.)

When you go on a trip, you tend take a lot of photos

When you go on a trip to Patagonia, you tend to take a LOT of photos.

Mountains, rivers, mountains, rivers, more mountains, a glacier, which is a massive river frozen between two mountains (don’t check the science on that one.

But this photo right here…did something to me.

I’m in El Califate, Argentina. But I’m from Dallas, Texas. 635 and March Lane. Born too late to remember the dynasties of the Cowboys really, but I do remember the energy I felt in the city. And how that energy dissolved as that version of the Cowboys did too. Too late to enjoy Michael Jordan, who I’m named after. Bleak sports town at that time. And then…Dirk happened. Nash happened. Finley who had happened already happened. And that became my team. That became my sport.

In fact, my very last high school basketball game ever was played on the American Airlines Center floor. Hours before Dirk would play too. I will always remember holding up my hand after hitting a transition three from the break, and sticking my tongue out like my goat. My mom didn’t like that very much.

I grew up in a city getting obsessed with basketball. In a country where all the best players in the world go to show what they’ve got. Where it MATTERS. Where five guys wearing the same clothes can bring an entire city back to life forever.

And here I am in El Califate, Argentina. About as close as you can get to Antarctica (don’t check the science on that one). And some kid probably out here. In the freezing cold. Getting shots up. WA kid who (you never know, but unlikely!) probably won’t ever step a foot inside the States let alone an NBA arena to watch the gods impress the mortals (unless it’s the All Star Game. C’mon Adam). Frozen dirt, no D1 ball to consider, just hooping for the love of the game on the step of the Andes mountains. And I like to think before before they hit the frozen ground (it does get warm there sometimes, allegedly), they’ve got those same YouTube compilations lined up that I watch. And you watch. They’re studying Kyrie’s handles. Steph’s form. And Luka’s step back.

So as I’m standing there, getting emotional about this imaginary kid that I’ve invented and probably doesn’t exist at all and every day asks his dad why that’s up there and the dad doesn’t know either, I’m reminded of the line from Moneybag where Brad Pitt’s character Billy Beane’s character asks “How can you not be romantic about baseball?”

And well…

How can you not be romantic about basketball?

And in that moment, in El Califate Argentina, for a split second, I’m no longer a traveling athlete two days away from running a marathon through the mountains of Patagonia (I told you this wasn’t about that.)

I’m back in McKinney, Texas. On my packed dirt court. Steve Nash road blue on. Trying to figure out Dirk’s step back as I beat the buzzer over. And over. And over again.

For that split second, in El Califate Argentina. I’m only one thing.

I’m a Dallas Mavericks fan.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/maver.../how-can-you-not-be-romantic-about-basketball