The Selection Puzzle
The Dallas Mavericks are making headway in their search for a new head coach after parting ways with Jason Kidd in May. Armed with a franchise cornerstone in reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg, two first-round picks in the upcoming draft, and a roster featuring quality players, the position holds appeal for available coaches.
With new team president Masai Ujiri and general manager Mike Schmitz leading the front office, the Mavericks are attempting to turn the page following a turbulent stretch since trading Luka Doncic in February 2025. That move prompted the dismissal of general manager Nico Harrison, followed by trades of Anthony Davis and yet another change at head coach.
The matchup already has enough history; the job is to keep the reading list shorter than the tension.
The Mavericks also secured the No. 1 pick in the 2025 Draft, selecting Flagg, who emerged as a foundational piece. The next coach will be tasked with furthering Flagg's development and guiding Dallas back toward contention.
The Fitness Questions
Marc Stein reports the Mavericks are expected to speak with more than a dozen candidates. Among those who have generated interest is Duke coach Jon Scheyer, who mentored Flagg during his lone college season. The Mavericks have held exploratory conversations to gauge his interest.
Detroit coach Dusty May has also drawn consideration following a deep tournament run. His candidacy represents another potential pathway to Dallas.
On the NBA side, candidates include Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori, Houston Rockets assistant Royal Ivey, Raptors assistant Jama Mahlalela, Celtics assistant Tony Dobbins and Miami Heat consultant Noah LaRoche.
The Warm-Up Before It Counts
Nori brings defensive expertise and would inherit a core player in Flagg, who has already demonstrated All-Defensive potential. Ivey carries experience coaching notable talent including Kevin Durant, James Harden, Russell Westbrook and Kyrie Irving across his tenure with various franchises.
Mahlalela has history with Ujiri from their Toronto years, while Dobbins earned praise from Boston stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown for his developmental work. LaRoche has drawn recognition from experienced voices like Erik Spoelstra for his offensive innovation.