The Dallas Mavericks are poised to make a serious championship push in the 2025–26 season with a star-studded roster that blends elite talent, veteran leadership, and promising young players. Under the guidance of head coach Jason Kidd and the front office’s aggressive roster construction, the Mavericks have assembled a formidable lineup capable of competing with the best teams in the NBA. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the projected rotation, examining both the starters and the bench while analyzing how each player fits into the team’s system.
The starting lineup features a mix of offensive firepower, defensive versatility, and high basketball IQ. Leading the charge at point guard is Kyrie Irving, one of the most skilled ball handlers and shot creators in NBA history. Irving’s ability to break down defenses, hit clutch shots, and facilitate for others makes him the perfect floor general for this Mavericks squad. His partnership with Luka Dončić in recent years has been dynamic, but with Dončić no longer on the roster (hypothetically, in this projection), Irving takes full control as the primary playmaker. His experience in big moments, including his championship pedigree, will be invaluable for Dallas in tight games.
At shooting guard, the Mavericks add veteran sharpshooter Klay Thompson, whose elite three-point shooting and off-ball movement make him an ideal fit alongside Irving. Thompson’s ability to space the floor and knock down contested shots will keep defenses honest, opening driving lanes for his teammates. Even as he enters the later stages of his career, Thompson remains one of the most feared shooters in the league, and his championship experience with the Golden State Warriors brings a winning mentality to the locker room. Defensively, while he may have lost a step due to past injuries, his high basketball IQ and positioning allow him to remain a solid team defender.
The small forward spot is occupied by rising star Cooper Flagg, the highly touted rookie who enters the league with immense expectations. Flagg’s combination of size, athleticism, and two-way potential makes him a perfect modern NBA wing. His ability to defend multiple positions, attack the rim, and stretch the floor with his improving jumper gives the Mavericks a versatile weapon on both ends. While rookies often face an adjustment period, Flagg’s maturity and skill set suggest he could make an immediate impact, much like Paolo Banchero or Chet Holmgren in recent years.
The power forward position is anchored by Anthony Davis, a dominant force on both ends of the floor. Davis brings elite rim protection, rebounding, and scoring versatility, making him one of the most impactful big men in the league. His ability to switch onto guards, protect the paint, and stretch the floor with his mid-range game adds a new dimension to Dallas’ defense and offense. Injuries have been a concern in recent years, but if Davis stays healthy, he could be the missing piece that elevates the Mavericks to true title contention. His experience as a champion with the Los Angeles Lakers also brings invaluable leadership to the team.
Rounding out the starting five is Dereck Lively II, the young center who has quickly developed into a reliable interior presence. Lively’s shot-blocking, rebounding, and athleticism make him an ideal rim-running big who complements Davis perfectly. His ability to finish lobs and defend the pick-and-roll at a high level allows the Mavericks to maintain defensive intensity while providing an explosive offensive option in the dunker spot. With another year of development under his belt, Lively could take another leap, solidifying himself as one of the league’s premier young centers.
The bench unit is equally impressive, featuring a mix of scoring, playmaking, and defensive versatility. D’Angelo Russell serves as the primary backup point guard, bringing scoring punch and playmaking off the bench. His ability to create his own shot and run the second-unit offense ensures the Mavericks don’t lose momentum when Irving rests. Daniel Gafford provides a high-energy presence as the backup center, offering rim protection, rebounding, and elite finishing around the basket. His chemistry with Lively allows Dallas to maintain a strong interior presence throughout the game.
P.J. Washington and Caleb Martin add much-needed versatility to the forward positions. Washington’s ability to stretch the floor as a stretch-four while providing switchable defense makes him a valuable role player. Martin, known for his tenacious defense and three-point shooting, brings a gritty, playoff-tested mentality to the wing rotation. Jaden Hardy serves as the backup shooting guard, offering microwave scoring off the bench with his ability to get hot from deep and attack the rim. His development will be key in providing backcourt depth.
Naji Marshall and Max Christie add wing depth with their defensive intensity and three-point shooting. Marshall’s physicality and ability to guard multiple positions make him a valuable piece in playoff matchups, while Christie’s potential as a 3-and-D wing could see him earn more minutes as the season progresses. Brandon Williams provides additional backcourt depth as a combo guard who can handle the ball and pressure opposing defenses with his quickness.
Kai Jones and Olivier-Maxence Prosper are developmental pieces with upside. Jones, an athletic big with shot-blocking and dunking ability, could see situational minutes as a high-energy reserve. Prosper, a defensive-minded forward, has the tools to become a reliable rotation player with improved offensive consistency. Dwight Powell, the longtime Maverick, remains as a veteran leader and locker room presence, providing depth at the center position with his hustle and pick-and-roll chemistry with the guards.
Overall, the Mavericks’ 2025–26 roster is built to compete at the highest level. The starting lineup boasts elite talent and championship experience, while the bench provides depth, scoring, and defensive versatility. If the team stays healthy and the young players continue to develop, Dallas could very well find itself in the NBA Finals conversation. With a perfect blend of star power, veteran savvy, and youthful energy, this roster has all the ingredients for a championship run. The front office has done an excellent job surrounding their core with the right pieces, and under Jason Kidd’s leadership, the Mavericks are primed to make noise in what should be an exciting season.
