In This Story
Dallas Mavericks
Aug 23, 2025 6:40 PM EDT
NBA 2K26 launches Sept. 5, and the full player ratings have finally dropped. The Dallas Mavericks find themselves in an intriguing position with a revamped roster that blends veteran leadership with No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, setting up what could be a compelling virtual season.
The Mavericks enter NBA 2K26 as a Tier 2 team with an 84 overall rating, placing them in excellent company alongside the Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks and LA Clippers. This ranking puts Dallas tied for seventh among all NBA teams and just one point behind the elite Tier 1 squads, which include the Oklahoma City Thunder (85), Boston Celtics (83) and Lakers (84).
Leading the Mavericks roster is Anthony Davis with a 93 overall rating, making him one of the premier players in the game. Davis’ presence gives Dallas a legitimate superstar to build around, putting them on par with other contender-level teams. The supporting cast features Kyrie Irving at 90 overall and Flagg at 82 overall, providing excellent depth around the stars.
Dallas excels in several key areas that make them an attractive team to play. Their 83 outside scoring rating ranks among the better marks in the league, reflecting the team’s ability to stretch the floor from beyond the arc. This is complemented by solid 79 athleticism and 72 defense ratings. Perhaps most impressively, the Mavericks boast an 85 intangibles rating, among the highest in the league, which speaks to their clutch factor and championship experience. Their 65 rebounding rating also stands out as a particular strength.
However, Dallas shows areas where opponents might exploit weaknesses. Their 68 playmaking rating ranks in the lower tier among competitive teams, suggesting ball movement could be challenging. The 76 inside scoring rating falls short of elite interior teams like the Lakers (88) or Bucks (83), meaning Dallas will need to rely more heavily on perimeter offense.
When comparing to the league’s elite, several interesting matchups emerge. The Thunder lead all teams with an 85 overall, featuring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 98 rating. Their 88 outside scoring and 80 defense make them formidable, though Dallas matches up well with superior rebounding and intangibles. The Celtics present a different challenge with Jayson Tatum at 94 overall and a balanced attack across multiple categories, but Dallas’ rebounding advantage could prove decisive.
For competitive online play, Dallas offers multiple approaches through strong outside shooting and rebounding advantages. In franchise modes, the Mavericks could be an excellent choice for immediate competition with room for growth, thanks to their 87 potential rating and mix of veteran stars and young talent.
About the Author
Aiden Kauffman