2026 Dallas Mavericks Preseason

[michaeltex]

IDK if Powell makes the team, which means Cisse gets cut, but he's been a ready player his whole playing career and he still looks to be in great shape.

I will say that he will have more support if he's the 3rd string center. Gone are the midget rosters. Even with the bench players, he'll have size so he's not alone protecting the basket. The hope is Aldama and Rez will provide frontcourt support. DP does seem to know how to keep the ball moving. If he's not rolling toward the basket, he has a good idea of what to do when receiving a pass so the offense keeps moving. Which was one of my "scream at the TV" frustrations last season.

Regardless of the final roster, I'm afraid DAL will get bullied inside by the likes of Sengun, Webby and Jokic (for example) until Lively can get back to playing.

Still a few weeks to work it out, but, IMO, it's not a disaster if Cisse can't step up.

FWIW, the Macau trip was a real burden on a newly assembled team like DAL. Teams like HOU or OKC have been together and they have just a few changes compared to the roster turnover with the Mavs. For my part, I would rather have seen them spend that week at their practice facility working on melding together.

But it was sponsored by the Sands China, LTD, group of whom Patrick Dumont is President and CEO, so I guess you make the best of it.

[KillerLeft]

FWIW, the Macau trip was a real burden on a newly assembled team like DAL. Teams like HOU or OKC have been together and they have just a few changes compared to the roster turnover with the Mavs. For my part, I would rather have seen them spend that week at their practice facility working on melding together. 

Depends on how you look at it. I get your point from an on-court reps and consistency perspective, but on the other hand they're all stuck together on a long trip to an exotic place where even English isn't a given. I bet it has done wonders for breaking the ice and generating team chemistry.

[Winter]

Jason Timpf's comments on the Kyrie's return and the Mavs defense.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFd7ERDB46g

[Winter]

deleted.

[Winter]

So to tie this up, I see the following:

The Mavs will speed the game up if possible. They are built for transition points. They will likely struggle in their half-court offense and will be a work in progress. It looks like there will be more overall movement though.... more like a Golden State offense than anything the Mavs have done previously. Lots of cutting and quick passing and shooting. But I don't see the Mavs picking up this new style of play too quickly. This will take awhile. If the Mavs 28 assists in this last game is anywhere close to typical though, it will be a fun watch.

They were very aggressive defensively, and they have the depth to go balls-out. Timpf loved the defense and I think that's one thing Dusty is trying to establish. There were times in this second game where the Mavs swarmed a player only to watch a pass to the perimeter ruin the aggressiveness. But overall, it matched a good Houston team in terms of defensive effort.

If you watched the highlights on Youtube, it seemed like Houston was making a lot of open threes... but in fact Houston only shot 30% from 3. You didn't see those misses unless you watched the entire game. About the only stat line that belonged to Houston in the second game was offensive rebounds, and Houston has been the king of that stat for a couple of years.

No Mavs player had more than 3 TOs, and most just had one or two, but that's going to be the challenge for Dallas with this new offense. DeLarrea should be a plus. He looked pretty in control for the most part. Risacher is up-and-down, but his ups are fun to watch.

My big take-away is the change of pace from previous Kidd and Carlisle offenses. The ball is going to move faster I think. Once Lively, Rez and Aldama are in the mix, we will be more than capable of playing aggresively on both sides of the ball. Kyrie and Flagg are going to look good in any situation, and I thought this version of Max was good enough to play with the starting unit. PJ would be my choice to start at PF, but we have a few more games to sort that out.

If anyone watched Michigan's run in the recent NCAA tournament, I think that's the blueprint. A team that averages a lot of points coupled with an aggressive defense.

[Winter]

One other thing I noticed. Every time Houston scored, the Mavs player grabbed the ball quickly from the ref, threw it in-bounds, and players practically ran to the half-court line (hoping to catch the Houston's defense flat-footed I guess). But it was really noticeable from the last few years when Doncic practically walked it up. Or even last year for that matter.

The other play that stood out was like the Mavs second offensive play when Kyrie was dribbling on the perimeter. I thought he was going to shoot, but instead he whipped a quick pass to PJ. In any other year, I think PJ would have looked to swing the ball around the perimeter. But instead, PJ just shot a 3-ball immediately (and made it). He didn't hesitate or even look for another player. It just felt different.

[Chicagojk]

https://x.com/damienpetersnba/status/210...06824?s=46

[Chicagojk]

Some Mavs notes. Not familiar with the reporter

https://x.com/damienpetersnba/status/211...50618?s=46

[michaeltex]

Some Mavs notes.  Not familiar with the reporter

https://x.com/damienpetersnba/status/211...50618?s=46

I love this summary! Much better than all the click-bait trade scenarios or superficial team "overview" you normally get this time of year.

[DanSchwartzgan]

Some Mavs notes.  Not familiar with the reporter

https://x.com/damienpetersnba/status/211...50618?s=46

Some things I'm interested in - and hope to watch for clues tonight and Friday in terms of what might happen to start the season:

Will Risacher start or will Christie?  I would have said Christie before training camp, but they really seem to be giving Risacher a look.  I think PJ starts, so I don't think it can be both Christie and Risacher.  Therefore, it is probably one or the other.

Will Morez start at C?  I wouldn't have considered the possibility except that Morez started over Gafford on preseason game one..

What will the strategy be regarding Kyrie and Cooper playing together.  Will they try to keep them together more so they can get used to one another (meaning the backups are more platooned than in years past).  Or, will it be staggered?  And, what will the playmaking look like when one or both is off the court.  How will Naji and Larry be used to compliment the stars?

[KillerLeft]

Some Mavs notes.  Not familiar with the reporter

https://x.com/damienpetersnba/status/211...50618?s=46

"The ball is going to be in Flagg’s hands more than anyone, even with Kyrie Irving returning. Flagg is still going to be the primary initiator and Kyrie will play a secondary role. They’ll also be staggered." 

If I'd have been filmed when I read this, the footage could've been added to one of those "watch people die inside" compilations.

[Smitty]

Things I said I was interested in before the China games kicked off:

Kyrie back on the court
Flagg's year 2 outside shooting (frequency/efficiency)
Rez against NBA-level talent
The backup guard battle between Sergio/Sasser
If Tarik looks to be a legit movement shooter in the NBA
Who wins the starting spot between Max and ZR? Naji and PJW?

My initial reaction after watching just the first half of Game 1:

For anyone that had to set an alarm to watch this. I feel bad for you. You were better off getting your beauty sleep.

First half observation/overreaction:

Max > ZR and it’s not particularly close
Tarik isn’t a NBA level guy
Naji ‘backup guard’ is gonna be rough to watch again this year
Coop is still him
Morez will take some time
Larry off-ball is ahead of Larry on-ball

I feel confident in a few things there...

If Tarik looks to be a legit movement shooter in the NBA... Nope
Who wins the starting spot between Max and ZR? Naji and PJW? Max is MUCH better than ZR at this stage of their careers. PJW is still a starting level player. A ceiling raiser, not a floor raiser. So, Max over ZR and PJ over Naji. Maybe they try to force ZR starting for some reason, but Max should get more minutes.


And my opinion on ALL of these from the first half of G1 is unchanged:
Max > ZR and it’s not particularly close
Tarik isn’t a NBA level guy
Naji ‘backup guard’ is gonna be rough to watch again this year
Coop is still him
Morez will take some time
Larry off-ball is ahead of Larry on-ball



All of that said, it's still only preseason and 'development' will likely be the theme this year. I have no real takeaways from Game 3 last night. Without both of your offensive engines in Kyrie and Coop, there's nothing to dig into on that end. Defensively, I wasn't really watching with the same intensity I normally do, because, well, the game was boring and the product was meh. Difficult to stay engaged... 

However, I still think it'd be a mistake to waive Cisse to keep Powell. Powell is probably the better player right now, today, but the age gap (35 vs 24) is the bigger factor for me. Also, I don't know how more folks here don't see what I see when it comes to wanting the 23-year-old Poulakidas to get more playing time. He's just as good of an outside shooter, if not better, than 25-year-old Tarik, with MUCH better defense. Maybe it's just because Tarik is "new". Neither guy is a 'pound the table type' talent for me to harp on, but give me JP in the sniper off the bench/situational shooter role.

Hopefully we see Aldama, Sasser, and Morez Friday. Dusty May called it the "dress rehearsal". So, maybe we'll see some more defined roles/rotation for guys heading into the start of the regular season.

[Smitty]

MFFL NATION (@NationMffl)
There is “very strong hope that Marcus Sasser will gain clearance to be able to play” in the Dallas Mavericks preseason finale, per @TheSteinLine

[Chicagojk]

Things I said I was interested in before the China games kicked off:




My initial reaction after watching just the first half of Game 1:



I feel confident in a few things there...

If Tarik looks to be a legit movement shooter in the NBA... Nope
Who wins the starting spot between Max and ZR? Naji and PJW? Max is MUCH better than ZR at this stage of their careers. PJW is still a starting level player. A ceiling raiser, not a floor raiser. So, Max over ZR and PJ over Naji. Maybe they try to force ZR starting for some reason, but Max should get more minutes.


And my opinion on ALL of these from the first half of G1 is unchanged:
Max > ZR and it’s not particularly close
Tarik isn’t a NBA level guy
Naji ‘backup guard’ is gonna be rough to watch again this year
Coop is still him
Morez will take some time
Larry off-ball is ahead of Larry on-ball



All of that said, it's still only preseason and 'development' will likely be the theme this year. I have no real takeaways from Game 3 last night. Without both of your offensive engines in Kyrie and Coop, there's nothing to dig into on that end. Defensively, I wasn't really watching with the same intensity I normally do, because, well, the game was boring and the product was meh. Difficult to stay engaged... 

However, I still think it'd be a mistake to waive Cisse to keep Powell. Powell is probably the better player right now, today, but the age gap (35 vs 24) is the bigger factor for me. Also, I don't know how more folks here don't see what I see when it comes to wanting the 23-year-old Poulakidas to get more playing time. He's just as good of an outside shooter, if not better, than 25-year-old Tarik, with MUCH better defense. Maybe it's just because Tarik is "new". Neither guy is a 'pound the table type' talent for me to harp on, but give me JP in the sniper off the bench/situational shooter role.

Hopefully we see Aldama, Sasser, and Morez Friday. Dusty May called it the "dress rehearsal". So, maybe we'll see some more defined roles/rotation for guys heading into the start of the regular season.

I think Max is the better player than ZR as well right now.    I do wonder if they are trying to get ZR into a simple role.  Attack defender, someone who can play well in an up tempo pace, open shooter, limited creator.   Try to really limit his role.  Right now he appears too rushed and playing with little feel...with some flashes.  

While Max comes off the bench and provides stability to the second unit.   I could see that vision and could be something long term that works (I guess).   Right now, I am not sure ZR is really ready for that role.   He may get some chances at it though.  I am expecting a lot of up and downs with him this year.

[Chicagojk]

Also tough to think we might need to watch Martin for two more years on the team, right?   I don't expect that to happen though.   I don't think you could find a trade or him though.  Maybe buyout next offseason?   He did at least attempt threes last night.  So if he is taking multiple a game, you know that is a directive if you want to get on the court.

[DanSchwartzgan]

I think Max is the better player than ZR as well right now.    I do wonder if they are trying to get ZR into a simple role.  Attack defender, someone who can play well in an up tempo pace, open shooter, limited creator.   Try to really limit his role.  Right now he appears too rushed and playing with little feel...with some flashes.  

While Max comes off the bench and provides stability to the second unit.   I could see that vision and could be something long term that works (I guess).   Right now, I am not sure ZR is really ready for that role.   He may get some chances at it though.  I am expecting a lot of up and downs with him this year.

I heard an Atlanta reporter on some podcast theorize that ZR starting limits what is asked of him and focusing him on just a few things that he is good at is a good thing.  As the theory went, ZR off the bench probably means he shoulders more of a scoring and creation role and now you are no longer playing to his (current) strengths.

I don't think he's beat out Max for the job.  If ZR starts, Max probably closes games and may get more minutes.  As you suggest, the starting is probably more of a developmental thing than a statement of relative worth.  He can look really lost at times, but when he's good, he's good enough that you want to make the investment.

[Smitty]

Also tough to think we might need to watch Martin for two more years on the team, right?   I don't expect that to happen though.   I don't think you could find a trade or him though.  Maybe buyout next offseason?   He did at least attempt threes last night.  So if he is taking multiple a game, you know that is a directive if you want to get on the court.

I was a bit checked out by the time ISO Martin was a thing. However, he's still the best POA defender on this team. His salary is not an issue at this time and will be an expiring next year. I don't want him getting playing time over the young guys, but I could see him having a role as a situational sub when it comes to defense for offense late in game to try and get a win. That has some value... I just view Martin as "it is what it is" right now. Not really worth talking about for me.

[Smitty]

@MikeACurtis2
Dusty May anticipates that Marcus Sasser (left adductor tightness) will play tomorrow in the preseason finale against the #Hawks.

He doesn’t think Santi Aldama will, but he’s getting “much, much closer.”

[Winter]

https://dallassportsjournal.com/dusty-ma...hina-trip/

Some stuff from May about jet lag, the short shots in the Pelicans game, and other comments.

“Right now we’re building the lower levels of our scaffolding, and for us to continue to go up and up and up, we have to have a good base and a good foundation.”

[F Gump]

I heard an Atlanta reporter on some podcast theorize that ZR starting limits what is asked of him and focusing him on just a few things that he is good at is a good thing.  As the theory went, ZR off the bench probably means he shoulders more of a scoring and creation role and now you are no longer playing to his (current) strengths.

I don't think he's beat out Max for the job.  If ZR starts, Max probably closes games and may get more minutes.  As you suggest, the starting is probably more of a developmental thing than a statement of relative worth.  He can look really lost at times, but when he's good, he's good enough that you want to make the investment.

When the Mavs traded for ZR, I didn't see how the Mavs could be interested in exercising his year-4 option (which would be for 17.4M), based on his performance in ATL. 

After what has happened in camp so far, I still think that option is very iffy. He talks a good game but he's a KP, not a 17M player. And imo he's not showing high potential. JAG. 

Fortunately the Mavs get to see what happens in 6 regular season games before making a decision, but unless he looks completely different, I wouldn't be surprised if they say no and let him play for his future.