Dallas opens 2025-26 with a 21-man training camp, mixing veteran star power with fresh depth. Dennis Smith Jr. returns to anchor the backcourt while two-way rookies Ryan Nembhard and Miles Kelly push for rotation work. Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, and Anthony Davis headline the coverage, signaling a high-ceiling, high-variance fantasy season. Dallas hosts San Antonio on Oct. 22 to start the campaign, a moment that will illuminate early-minute splits and contingency plans for fantasy managers.

Fantasy angles emphasize Smith’s cage-free ceiling with added guard depth, the development path for Nembhard and Kelly, and Irving’s usage in a deeper lineup. Daily fantasy values could hinge on early rotations and injury luck, so monitor camp reports and the Oct. 22 game script against the Spurs as anchors for season-long and DFS plans.

As the Dallas Mavericks gear up for their Summer League opener against the Los Angeles Lakers, one player stands out: Miles Kelly. The Auburn guard has secured a two-way contract, providing him with a unique advantage over his peers who are still vying for roster spots. Kelly's journey began with a breakout season at Auburn, where he averaged 11.3 points per game and showcased his sharpshooting skills, hitting over 37% from beyond the arc.

Entering the Summer League, Kelly aims to impress alongside fellow two-way signee Ryan Nembhard. With his polished game and the ability to function as both a primary scorer and a supporting player, he could carve out a significant role for the Mavericks in the 2025-26 NBA season. This Summer League not only marks a new chapter for Kelly but also pits him against notable talent, including Bronny James, adding excitement to his debut.

Chaney Johnson of Auburn basketball has signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, marking a significant achievement as part of this year's NBA Draft cycle. He joins teammates Johni Broome, Miles Kelly, and Dylan Cardwell in securing professional opportunities. Broome was selected 35th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers, while Kelly and Cardwell landed contracts with the Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings, respectively. Johnson's Exhibit 10 deal is a one-year, non-guaranteed contract that could lead to a two-way contract, enhancing his chances to play for a Cavaliers team that recently finished with a remarkable 64-18 record and a top seed in the Eastern Conference.

During his time at Auburn, Johnson transitioned from a Division II standout to an SEC contributor, averaging 7.0 points and 4.9 rebounds during the Tigers' impressive Final Four run. He particularly excelled in crucial moments, showcasing his potential when teammate Broome faced injury challenges. The Cavaliers are investing in Johnson's development, making him a player to watch as the season approaches, especially given their competitive roster.

The Dallas Mavericks are bracing for a challenging season ahead as their star guard, Kyrie Irving, is expected to miss significant time in the 2025-26 season due to a torn ACL. Aiming to bolster their backcourt depth, the Mavericks have signed undrafted free agents Ryan Nembhard from Gonzaga and Miles Kelly from Auburn to two-way contracts following the 2025 NBA draft.

Nembhard, who previously played for Creighton, led the NCAA in assists last season, showcasing his playmaking abilities. Meanwhile, Kelly played a pivotal role in Auburn's advance to the Final Four, adding versatility and experience to the Mavericks’ roster. Both players will make their debut at the NBA Summer League, which includes a matchup against Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers.