This will be the rotation of the Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg is already leading, and Kyrie Irving's return changes everything

Dallas Mavericks face the 2026/27 season with a revamped rotation and an objective that is still difficult to define. Cooper Flagg will have to take on leadership from day one, while Kyrie Irving's return from his ACL injury and the development of young players like Zaccharie Risacher and Sergio de Larrea will determine the ceiling of a team whose over/under is set at just 35.5 wins.

Dallas finds itself in that uncomfortable middle ground between rebuilding and competing. The franchise has already decided that Flagg is the absolute cornerstone of the project, but it still retains veteran pieces that could allow it to compete sooner than expected. Last season ended with a record of 26-56 and, although the context has changed, it seems too early to talk about real aspirations for the championship.

Flagg will hold the keys to Dallas

The projected rotation places Kyrie Irving, Naji Marshall, Cooper Flagg, PJ Washington, and Dereck Lively as the starting five. On paper, Flagg appears as a forward, but it would be absurd to limit his function to that position.

The first pick of the Draft already showed in his rookie season that he can function as a playmaker, handle the ball, defend multiple positions, and take on offensive volume. His second year should be marked by a considerable increase in responsibilities. The departure of Klay Thompson also leaves a significant portion of the creation and outside shooting that Dallas will have to distribute among Irving, Flagg, Max Christie, and other players.

The big question is how close Flagg can get to the star level that Dallas needs. If he makes a significant leap from his first year, the Mavericks could win many more games than the 35.5 projected by the sportsbooks.

Kyrie Irving is the big unknown

Irving's return is probably the factor that could most alter expectations. The point guard missed the entire past season after tearing the ACL in his left knee and will face his return after a lengthy period of inactivity.

If he returns close to his best level, Dallas will have an elite playmaker capable of relieving Flagg of some offensive responsibility. But there is also the possibility that he will need months to regain rhythm, explosiveness, and consistency.

Additionally, his contractual situation and age make it inevitable to wonder if the Mavericks will ultimately use him as a competitive piece around Flagg or if, depending on how the season goes, they will end up exploring a trade.

Sergio de Larrea, a piece to develop

The Spanish player Sergio de Larrea is one of the most interesting future bets. His presence in the second unit alongside Marcus Sasser would allow him to alternate between point guard duties and play with greater freedom.

It does not seem reasonable to expect him to have a starring role from October, but he could gradually earn minutes. His size for the position, reading ability, and versatility fit with the idea of developing a roster around Flagg. The player himself recently highlighted his ability to read the game and his training received in Valencia.

Risacher and Aldama, two important unknowns

Zaccharie Risacher arrives in Dallas needing to regain confidence after an uneven start to his career. His size, mobility, and defensive ability could make him a magnificent complement for Flagg, but he needs to show he can be consistent in his shooting and make offensive decisions more confidently.

Attention will also have to be paid to Santi Aldama. If PJ Washington is ultimately traded, the Canary Islander could take on much more of a role as an open four, especially given his ability to shoot from outside, pass, and attack different matchups.

Moreover, the depth allows Dallas to experiment with very different lineups: Gafford and Lively provide interior muscle, while Christie, Martin, Risacher, Aldama, and Marshall can offer different combinations around Flagg.

Can they fight for the play-in?

Yes. And that is probably the most realistic aspiration.

It does not seem that the Mavericks are prepared to compete for the championship, but 35.5 wins seems like a line that could fall short if Irving returns healthy and Flagg takes the usual leap of a player of his talent in his second year. Even some moves during the season could radically change the landscape.

The goal should be to compete without jeopardizing Flagg's development. If Dallas manages to enter the play-in race, it would be excellent news; if not, but Flagg establishes himself as a superstar, the season will have served a fundamental purpose as well.

Conclusion

The Mavericks have too many unknowns to be considered contenders, but they also have too much talent to dismiss them outright. Flagg must become the absolute center of the project, Irving has to prove he can return to a high level, and players like Risacher, Aldama, and Sergio de Larrea need to start defining their futures. Therefore, the 35.5 wins seem like a cautious forecast, but Dallas has arguments to clearly exceed them if the main pieces respond.

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