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Dallas Mavericks
Aug 24, 2025 1:33 PM EDT
The Western Conference, ever since Michael Jordan retired, has been the stronger of the two, and the upcoming 2025-26 season is no exception.
Between the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, and new-look Houston Rockets, the West has no shortage of championship-caliber rosters, and that’s not even mentioning possible dark horse candidates like the LA Lakers, Clippers, San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, and, of course, the Dallas Mavericks.
Between Klay Thompson, Anthony Davis, and Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks boast three Hall of Famers and a well-rounded supporting cast on both ends of the floor.
Rookie Cooper Flagg is expected to steal the show, perhaps as the best first-year player ever.
The Nuggets, Thunder, and Rockets are seen as frontrunners, although one former player thinks the Mavericks are right there in the mix.
“That Dallas Maverick team, they might be the second-best team in the West if they could ever get healthy,” said Charles Barkley. “Obviously, Kyrie is going to come back mid-season, but if AD can get healthy, and that boy Cooper Flagg, he’s the real deal.”
There is no guarantee that the Mavericks will get the best version of Irving at any point this season, although with the ever-capable D’Angelo Russell running the show early next season, the Mavericks should be able to be a constant threat, and as Flagg finds his footing, they will only get better as the season goes on.
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Jonah Kubicek