The anticipation surrounding the competitiveness of the Western Conference in the 2025-26 season has reached unprecedented levels. While several leading teams in the Eastern Conference are expected to be without their biggest stars, the West presents a contrasting picture – teams adding superstars to their already loaded rosters and adding significant depth. Among these, the Dallas Mavericks stand out as a team projected to make substantial noise. Adding to this notion, Charles Barkley recently doubled down on what the actual ceiling is for this team, particularly if Anthony Davis manages to stay healthy.
Barkley thinks the Mavericks will be deadly if healthy
Although Kyrie Irving is expected to miss a considerable portion of the regular season due to his recovery from an ACL tear, the Mavs have taken deliberate steps to address their playmaking and offensive voids. This is where their acquisition of D’Angelo Russell, who already established a solid pick-and-roll tandem with AD in LA, will pay dividends.
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Additionally, the franchise has also drafted one of the most complete rookies in recent memory: Cooper Flagg, who can use his 6’9″ frame to thrive in multiple positions.
Thus, Barkley asserted that if 32-year-old Davis can remain free of injuries, the Mavericks possess the necessary speed, frontcourt depth and battle-rested, veteran-expertise to compete at the highest level. Not only do they have players like Dabiel Gafford and PJ Washignton who can contribute at both ends, but they also have Klay Thompson who will lead their three-point attack.
So, Sir Charles feels that if this team can collectively avoid the injury bug, the Mavericks can contend with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the top seed in the West standings.
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“Let me tell you this, that Dallas Mavericks team, they might be the second-best team in the West if they could ever get healthy,” Barkley said during his interview with Kate Constable and Cam Smith on BET MGM Network. “Obviously, Kyrie is going to come back mid-season, but if AD can get healthy, and that boy Cooper Flagg, he’s the real deal.”
The Mavs need Anthony Davis to stay healthy
However, while Flagg’s talent is undeniable, expecting him to immediately transition into the NBA and carry the burden of leading the team would be unrealistic. For this reason, AD’s presence becomes even more critical. As a seasoned veteran, he must not only serve as the defensive anchor but also average close to 25 points per game, allowing Flagg the time to adapt to the league and contribute meaningfully without excessive pressure.
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Put simply, with Davis setting the tone, Flagg can gradually grow into his role while complementing the team’s established core.
So, it seems safe to state that after a long time, a championship-ready roster is ready in Dallas, but for them to achieve their expected ceiling, they need to stay healthy. Moreover, considering how the Mavs fanbase is eager to see whether their gamble of forming a defensive-oriented team (without Luka Doncic) to chase a championship works out or not, the pressure is definitely at an all-time high for the franchise.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 24, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.