Dallas aims for a title as Anthony Davis anchors a bigger, camp-tested frontcourt. At 268 pounds, he’s shedding weight as the season starts, with a plan that prioritizes durability and movement. A recent retina surgery requires goggles, but Davis insists vision is crisp and he’s feeling explosive.

The blend of Davis with Dereck Lively, P.J. Washington and Cooper Flagg, plus Kyrie Irving’s recovery timeline, sets Dallas up for a potent, versatile attack and a championship ceiling in 2025-26.

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.

Daniel Gafford locked in a three year 54 million extension with Dallas, anchoring a frontcourt that features Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, P J Washington and Cooper Flagg. The move solidifies Dallas defense first identity and signals they expect the bigs to dominate the paint and run the floor with energy.

Gafford posted 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks on 70 percent shooting last season while staying healthy enough for 57 games. The Mavericks will stagger him with Lively II as they chase another deep playoff run, relying on a strong frontcourt rotation as Kyrie Irving deals with ACL recovery and the team emphasizes chemistry and continuity.

Dallas touts resilience and depth with the frontline. The group includes Lively II, Washington and Flagg, creating a versatile shell that can switch and protect while still finishing above the rim. Gafford calls the locker room a family like environment, a factor in his decision to commit through 2028 29 and chase sustained success.

Dallas faces a season of new weight and roles after Kyrie Irving’s ACL injury, reshaping how the Mavericks’ offense will run. The plan centers on Anthony Davis as a focal point, an 18-year-old rookie Cooper Flagg as a future cornerstone, and a deeper, more versatile supporting cast that must embrace a new style. The team emphasizes playing for one another, prioritizing ball movement and cutting off the ball, and relying on their bigs to initiate and drive the attack.

With a different personnel makeup, Dallas envisions an inside-out approach: using Davis as a primary initiator, leveraging post feeds and off-ball movement, and letting the hot hand determine the night’s leading scorer once those two stars are in the lineup. Leadership from veterans like Thompson and a cohesive camp mindset aim to forge a durable, competitive identity as the season unfolds.

Thompson’s leadership stands out as a cornerstone, having organized a minicamp to set a competitive tone in Newport Beach and carry it into camp. The Mavericks acknowledge a nightly rotation of potential scorers—unknown until the lineup is set—and aim to build a sustainable culture of perseverance and relentless effort as they navigate injuries and a reshaped roster.