The Dallas Mavericks enter the 2025-26 season trying to turn the page on the Luka Dončić trade and prove they remain a contender in the Western Conference. The franchise has added new stars, brought back key role players and assembled one of its deepest rosters in recent memory. For fans still divided over the team’s direction, the coming months will be crucial.

Dirk Nowitzki believes there is a legitimate reason for optimism. With championship experience at the top of the roster and young talent ready to contribute immediately, he sees a group capable of competing with the best in the West. His one caveat: the Mavericks must stay healthy to realize their potential.

Confidence in Dallas Mavericks’ Depth

Nowitzki pointed to the Mavericks’ offseason as evidence of smart planning. He highlighted the team’s ability to keep important contributors in place while adding new pieces to address weaknesses.

“I feel they’re a strong team. Of course, it depends on health. That’s the only question mark there,” Nowitzki said on 105.3 The Fan. “I think they did some smart re-signings this summer with Gafford and PJ. I think they’re deep, they’re doubled on every position. It’s health to me…”

Beyond continuity, Nowitzki noted the importance of timing. He believes Dallas could climb the standings once its roster is fully intact after the new year, with several players expected to return to full health by January.

“If they’re fully healthy, hopefully by the new year, somewhere in January… they’re a super deep team that can definitely be in the top four in the West,” he said.

That optimism is supported by the Mavericks’ revamped roster. No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg arrives as a versatile forward with immediate star potential after a dominant season at Duke. Anthony Davis enters his first full season in Dallas, bringing elite defense and an All-Star pedigree.

D’Angelo Russell adds playmaking in the backcourt, while veterans Klay Thompson and P.J. Washington solidify the starting lineup. The bench features Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, Naji Marshall, Caleb Martin, and Danté Exum, with Kyrie Irving recovering from ACL surgery.

The Western Conference Landscape

While Dallas has retooled, Nowitzki was clear that the path to contention will not be easy. He acknowledged the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder as the team to beat, but argued that the rest of the conference is far more open.

“OKC probably heavy favorites coming off the title, but behind that, everything is wide open, and the Mavs, if healthy, should be up there,” Nowitzki said.

A major part of his optimism centers on Flagg, the franchise’s newest cornerstone. Nowitzki said the 18-year-old has the tools to make an impact right away, even in a veteran-heavy league.

“On paper, if they’re healthy, the Mavs have a great team this year and I think Cooper is going to have a great year — he’s talented, athletic, sky’s the limit for him,” Nowitzki said.

For Nowitzki, the Mavericks’ advantage is the depth they can roll out at every position. He sees a roster built not just for star power but also to withstand the grind of an 82-game season. That depth, combined with the emergence of Flagg and the stability of re-signed veterans, gives him confidence Dallas can reestablish itself as one of the West’s top contenders.

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