Dallas Mavericks open training camp with injury woes testing depth: Daniel Gafford sprained his ankle and will miss the remainder of camp, likely affecting the preseason. P.J. Washington bumped his head; Brandon Williams is sidelined for a week with a hamstring strain; Dante Exum has missed practices for undisclosed reasons. With Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving out long-term, young wings and reserves must prove themselves early, while Jason Kidd prioritizes health as the foundation for a productive season.

Utah’s path to sustainable success hinges on a clean split between development and winning now, learning from Golden State’s Kuminga crossroads. The Kuminga saga shows how front-office pressure and coaching autonomy clash, risking stunting growth and misalignment. Utah’s moves—trading Sexton, Collins, Clarkson while keeping Lauri Markkanen at the center—frame a tightrope: maximize youth upside without derailing the present.

Dante Exum is back with the Dallas Mavericks, adding guard depth as early-season ball-handling duties are shared with D’Angelo Russell while Kyrie Irving returns from ACL rehab. Dallas cleared a roster space by waiving Olivier-Maxence Prosper, a move that stirs immediate questions about wing depth and rotation. Exum, who missed most of last season due to injuries, averaged 8.7 points in 20 games (13 starts) in 2024-25, underscoring his potential if he can stay healthy.

Early-year usage will hinge on health and fit: Russell and Exum provide playmaking, Irving remains the high-usage catalyst, and Doncic’s heavy usage continues to shape the backcourt. The move signals a guard-centric plan in Dallas with eyes on maximizing star talent while managing minutes and injuries.