NBA training camps open next month and, for the most part, teams have their rosters set.
There may be some trades to come. Perhaps more buyouts like we’ve seen with Damian Lillard and others.
But for the most part, what fans see is what they’re going to get on opening night in October.
The Mavericks have made significant changes. They have brought on board D’Angelo Russell and No. 1 draft pick Cooper Flagg, both of whom might be in the Game 1 starting lineup. They said goodbye to Spencer Dinwiddie, who played more games last season than any other Maverick (79 of 82).
Optimism is running high. But it’s a long, long season. And it will take six months to figure out how these Mavericks fit together, particularly when Kyrie Irving returns from knee surgery, possibly in early 2026.
To bring you up to speed, we’ll use the month of August to chronicle every Maverick on the roster heading into training camp. It will help you get familiar with the players and how they might fit into the rotation come October.
KYRIE IRVING
Particulars: 6-2, guard, 33 years old.
College: Duke
What he’s done: Since becoming the No. 1 overall pick of the 2011 NBA Draft, Kyrie Irving has enjoyed a prosperous pro career. Not only was he selected as the NBA Rookie of the Year in his inaugural season. Irving also gradually established himself as one of the game’s greatest players while carving out a path that will one day probably turn him into a first-ballot member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Irving was the Most Valuable Player of the 2014 NBA A
ll-Star game, was third team all-NBA in 2015 and 21, and second team all-NBA in 2019. In addition, he hit the series-clinching three-pointer on the road in Game 7 against the Golden State Warriors that helped the Cleveland Cavaliers capture the 2016 NBA championship. Also, Irving is a nine-time All-Star, having collected one of those prestigious honors last season while playing for the Mavs. Irving was a key figure when the Mavs won three playoff series in 2024 against the Los Angeles Clippers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves – all without having homecourt advantage – as Dallas reached the NBA Finals for the third time in franchise history. In the 2023-24 season, Irving averaged 25.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists while shooting 49.7 percent from the field, 41.1 percent from three-point range and 90.5 percent from the free throw line. Last year he averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists while converting 47.3 percent of his field goals, 40.1 percent of his three-pointers and 91.6 percent of his charity tosses.
What to look for: Irving was in the midst of another brilliant season – an All-Star season – when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during a game 
on March 3 against the Sacramento Kings. Surgery to repair the season-ending injury – performed by Dr. Riley J. Williams — occurred on March 26 at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. The Mavs were 32-29 and still in the playoff hunt when Irving suffered his devastating injury. Without Irving, the Mavs finished the balance of last season with a 7-14 record. Irving was the only NBA player who averaged at least 20 points and shot at least 40 percent from beyond the three-point arc and at least 90 percent from the charity stripe last season. It’s the fifth season he has accomplished that feat, and certainly a goal he wouldn’t mind achieving this season. But first things first. Irving is still rehabbing his left knee, and isn’t expected to play again until sometimes in early 2026.
Crystal ball: The outlook for Irving is to get well. But in no way will the Mavs rush back one of their prize possessions. The Mavs may have many other options to turn to this season. However, in order for them to accomplish what they want to accomplish — and put a (championship) ring on it like Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift did earlier this week — they need a fully healthy Kyrie Irving back on the court. Irving is indeed the Mavs’ secret sauce.
Upcoming: Anthony Davis on Friday.
X: @DwainPrice