While Nowitzki acknowledged that this latest deal provides the franchise with future financial flexibility, he noted that Dallas likely could have commanded a higher return.

“I think the Mavs fans are happy with this; I think they didn’t want to be reminded of what happened a year ago in the Luka trade,” Nowitzki said on NBA on Prime. “To me, looking at this deal, there’s not a lot that came back in terms of picks or players, so this is all about financial flexibility for the future…”

In the eight-player swap, the Mavericks sent Davis alongside D’Angelo Russell, Jaden Hardy, and Dante Exum to D.C. In return, Dallas received Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, two first-round picks, and three second-rounders.

While many fans are relieved to move on from the veteran big man, Nowitzki admitted he was disappointed the pairing of Davis and rookie sensation Cooper Flagg was cut short. “I’m a little disappointed, obviously. I think when AD actually played with Cooper, they played off each other really well. That was a solid combo, but we’ll never know,” the NBA Hall of Famer added.

Anthony Davis on the Wizards’ potential

The Wizards have struggled to find their footing in recent years, failing to qualify for the postseason since 2021. This season has been no different, as Washington currently sit with a disappointing 14-37 record, effectively ending their playoff aspirations.

However, Davis believes that with a few personnel adjustments, the Wizards could emerge as a force in the Eastern Conference next season. “Obviously, it’s tough right now with the team,” Davis said. “It shows with their record, but adding certain pieces—that can change. It’s year by year. They could be the No. 1 team in the East next year”.

If Davis can remain healthy—a challenge that limited him to just 29 games in Dallas—the Wizards could boast a formidable lineup. A healthy Davis paired with Trae Young and a young core featuring Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Kyshawn George, and Tre Johnson suggests the Wizards could be poised for a significant leap in 2027.

The injury bug that plagued the Mavericks last season has returned during the current campaign, leaving several key players, including Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Lively II, sidelined. They joined Kyrie Irving who is still recovering from a torn left ACL surgery and it’s expected to miss a huge part of the season.

Of the nine games played, Davis has missed four, Gafford five, and Lively six, creating a huge problem for coach Jason Kidd on the offensive end. In fact, the Mavericks are currently last in the league in offensive rating, although they rank sixth defensively.

Nowitzki appeared on Amazon’s “NBA on Prime” show during the team’s game against the Grizzlies and offered a candid assessment of the poor start. The German legend pointed to unfilled roster holes and the compounding effect of injuries as the biggest causes of the struggle.

“I feel bad for my Mavs fans. This has been a disastrous start,” the Mavs legend explained. “Obviously, there’s a hole at the point guard and playmaking position. We knew that hole wasn’t filled this summer. There’s a hole at shot creating, at shot making. We said, coming into the season, that health is big for them. Obviously, Kyrie is out for a couple more months”.

“But they need AD healthy, Lively healthy. Both of those guys have only been out for a while. Gafford has missed some games. They’re actually on pace to have a record-bad start on offense. They can’t shoot, they can’t make plays. It’s all going side-to-side, east-to-west; nobody can make shots. It’s been tough to watch,” he added.

What’s next for Mavericks?

The Mavericks will attempt to reverse their slump tonight as they face the Washington Wizards (1-7), who are enduring a similarly poor start. For tonight’s game, Kidd is hoping for the return of Davis, who has missed the last four consecutive defeats.

For tonight’s game, both Davis (left calf strain) and Gafford (right ankle sprain) are listed as questionable on the injury report. However, Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery), Dereck Lively II (right knee sprain), Klay Thompson (illness), and Dante Exum (right knee injury management) are all out.

Following tonight’s game in Washington, the Mavericks will play a four-game homestand at the American Airlines Center, where they must capitalize on the home advantage to secure positive results.

They are set to face the Bucks on Monday, November 10th, the Suns on Wednesday, November 12th, the Clippers for the NBA Cup on Friday, November 14th, and will finish the stretch against the Blazers on Sunday, November 16th.

“I mean, the hype was real for sure. I’m not the biggest college sports watcher in general, whether that’s basketball or any sport, but of course I had to check out Cooper and yeah, I mean, the sky’s the limit. Honestly, what I saw, just the way he reads the game already at that age of being barely 18… Athletic, skills, I heard his work ethic is through the roof. So everything that I’ve saw and heard is that, you know, he’s the real deal. The real deal,” Nowitzki said in his annual tennis event.

Cooper Flagg has shown impressive ambition since joining the Dallas Mavericks, even asking for more minutes in the Summer League to truly showcase his potential. Nonetheless, it only took him two games to prove he could be both a scoring machine and a key contributor to the team’s overall play. This fits perfectly with head coach Jason Kidd’s philosophy, as he highly values versatility in his players.

While Cooper’s arrival in the NBA is generating significant excitement, it also stirs some concern among fans. The constant comparisons to former rookies like Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama, who swiftly rose to stardom, have set lofty expectations. As a result, if the Dallas Mavericks star delivers a regular or unremarkable season, perceptions of his potential might shift, subjecting him to considerable criticism which can affect his on-field performance.

Dallas Mavericks youngster Cooper Flagg takes key steps to adapt easier into Jason Kidd’s strategy

Given the high expectations surrounding him, Cooper Flagg has made clear his commitment to preparing for the monumental transition to the NBA. While the Dallas Mavericks’ training camp won’t start until September 30, Roonie Singh, 2K’s Director of Digital Content Strategy, disclosed a surprising development. The young star is taking proactive measures to integrate seamlessly into Jason Kidd’s roster.

“I’ve been talking to Cooper Flagg a lot the last couple of weeks, and he’s already trying to shape up how he’s going to fit into that team by playing the NBA 2K26 game with him, integrated with Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis. He might not get to play with Kyrie for a minute, so it’s kind of cool that he gets to simulate that, see how the off-the-ball movement is. Our AI is so good. It really simulates the authentic experience of being on the court,” Ronnie Singh said, via Heavy Sports.

Speaking at the Dirk Nowitzki Foundation 7th Annual Tennis Classic on Saturday, the Hall of Famer stressed that the Mavericks’ success would ultimately hinge on their ability to stay healthy.

“I think they’re pretty stacked. I’ve been saying the last few weeks – to me, it all depends on health. When is Kyrie [Irving] coming back? Is he going to be 100% when he comes back? Is AD going to stay healthy? We know [Dereck] Lively has missed some action in the last few years,” Nowitzki said.

“But if they stay healthy, I think that’s a very deep team – at least two guys per position who can play multiple ways with Cooper’s versatility on the wing. Obviously, we heard Jason Kidd talk about maybe playing him at some guard while Kyrie is out, so there are a lot of lineup options. The front line is stacked – it should be really good defensively with that length and athleticism.”

What the Mavericks are aiming for

Nowitzki emphasized the importance of durability across the roster, particularly given questions about the health of key players. Irving is recovering from a torn ACL suffered last March, while Anthony Davis, acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers in the February trade for Luka Doncic, will aim to avoid the injuries that have plagued him throughout his career. Lively has also missed time in recent years, leaving availability as a primary concern heading into training camp.

Nowitzki concluded by repeating his belief that health will determine the season’s outcome. “To me, it’s all about health. If they’re healthy, they could have a good year in the West,” he said. “The West is tough, as we know, but if they’re healthy, it’s going to be a great season for them.”

The Mavericks, however, appear well equipped to handle challenges with a roster that blends star power and versatility. Rookie Cooper Flagg, who head coach Jason Kidd has suggested could play multiple positions, provides additional lineup flexibility. Alongside Davis, Lively, and P.J. Washington, Dallas projects to be one of the longest and most athletic defensive frontcourts in the Western Conference and in the NBA.

During the excitement of FIBA EuroBasket 2025, Utah Jazz standout Jusuf Nurkic engaged in a brief interview with SBB. In a spirited game segment, he was asked to select the best big man from a list of renowned players. Surprisingly, Nurkic picked Pau Gasol, favoring him over legends like Dirk Nowitzki or current stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokic.

Pau Gasol carved out an indelible legacy over his illustrious 18-year NBA career, culminating in a well-deserved induction into the Hall of Fame. Across 1,126 games, he consistently posted impressive averages of 17 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. He became an icon for the Los Angeles Lakers, playing a pivotal role in securing back-to-back championships. Yet, curiously, his name often lacks prominence in discussions about the greatest players at his position.

While Pau’s legendary status is unquestioned, his selection over Dirk Nowitzki stirred some debate. Nowitzki, a Dallas Mavericks icon, captured an NBA championship and won both Finals MVP and regular-season MVP honors. He boasted career averages of 20.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists across 1,522 games. His achievements and consistency affirm his rank as one of Dallas’s greatest and a standout in the league.

Pau Gasol’s impressive legacy goes beyond the NBA

Pau Gasol’s legacy extends beyond the NBA, firmly establishing him as a historic figure with the Spanish national team. As the most successful player in FIBA history, Gasol secured the 2006 World Cup title alongside three EuroBasket championships in 2009, 2011, and 2015. Moreover, his collection of eleven Olympic medals underscores his exceptional international prowess and enduring impact on the sport.

Dirk Nowitzki may have dominated with the Dallas Mavericks, but his international legacy with FIBA does not quite rival that of Spanish legend Pau Gasol. While representing Germany, Nowitzki’s resume includes second-place finishes at the 2008 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, the 2006 Stankovic Continental Champions Cup, and the 2005 EuroBasket.

This comparison is not to diminish Dirk’s legendary status but rather to underscore the vast impact Pau Gasol has had on the global stage. In Spain, he rose to prominence alongside stars like Juan Carlos Navarro, Rudy Fernandez, Sergio Llull, and his brother Marc Gasol. His reputation as one of Europe’s premier big men is well-earned, as evidenced by his numerous accolades.

The trade that sent Doncic to the Lakers remains one of the league’s most surprising shake-ups, and Nowitzki still vividly recalls the day it happened. In a recent conversation with fellow NBA Hall of Famer and two-time MVP Steve Nash, Nowitzki opened up about the deal and the global reaction it generated.

“I agree. Nobody saw this coming,” Nowitzki said, via RCD Mallorca. “This was not just basketball news; this was world news. I was actually traveling somewhere, and this was all over TV, and I was surprised at how big the news was. It was a tough decision the club had to make.”

Doncic was dealt in February in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. For a player of Doncic’s caliber to be moved without requesting it is a rarity, and it left Nowitzki wrestling with his loyalty to both his longtime franchise and his support for the Slovenian star.

“In the NBA, there’s always stuff that surprises everybody, and it’s what keeps it interesting,” Nowitzki added. “Of course I want to support Luka, but I’m also a Maverick for life. This was a tough decision for me, but I obviously want to keep supporting both.”

Despite criticism over his conditioning, commitment, and fitness, Doncic continued to shine during his final 22 games in Dallas. Before the trade, he averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game, shooting 46.4 percent from the field.

Doncic was expected to carry the torch from Nowitzki as the Mavericks’ next franchise cornerstone, but he never got the chance to finish what he started. While Nowitzki maintains his support for Dallas, it’s clear he disagrees with the bold decision made by general manager Nico Harrison. Judging by the fan backlash that followed, many in Dallas share his sentiment.

The Mavericks, however, have already turned the page. The revamped group in Dallas is determined to prove the trade was worth it and that they can compete for a championship without Doncic. Meanwhile, Luka will face pressure to silence doubts about his work ethic, and that effort is already underway in Los Angeles.

For the Lakers, the goal is straightforward: to become serious title contenders next season. The front office has built a roster designed to maximize Doncic’s playmaking while addressing last year’s shortcomings. With DeAndre Ayton and Marcus Smart set to play key roles, Los Angeles is banking on this new core to push them toward another championship run.

After the draft, former Mavericks owner Mark Cuban — who was in attendance — spoke to reporters and offered a lighthearted comparison between Flagg and Nowitzki. When asked about the similarities between the two, Cuban leaned into the personalities both stars bring to the floor.

“Dirk would talk his game and tell you what he was going to do,” Cuban said. “And you see that with Cooper, too. Cooper likes to talk trash. The difference was… Dirk would say it in German and no one understood it. So now someone needs to ask him (Flagg) if he knows any foreign languages.”

Flagg, widely regarded as the top talent in this year’s draft class, arrives in Dallas with considerable hype. His performances throughout the past year had scouts and front offices convinced he was a generational prospect — one of the most complete players to enter the league in recent memory.

Still, Flagg isn’t letting the pressure get to him. Speaking at his introductory press conference, the 6-foot-9 forward struck a humble tone. “I’m coming in just trying to learn and trying to get better every single day,” he said. “I think I can do that to the best of my ability.”

“Expectations and pressure — other people will put that on me,” Flagg continued. “As a team, we’ll figure things out. I’m just trying to come in and be the best that I can be.”

The Mavericks are already looking ahead to what’s possible with Flagg in the fold. With a talented supporting cast around him, Dallas believes it can contend for an NBA title within the next two seasons.

Veteran forward Anthony Davis is expected to anchor the team early in the 2025–26 NBA campaign, with Klay Thompson and the rookie Flagg forming a formidable trio. Kyrie Irving is also slated to return from injury later in the year, giving the Mavericks one of the league’s most intriguing rosters.

In a 2013 All-Star interview, LeBron James chose Dirk Nowitzki and Drazen Petrovic as the league’s best foreign players of all time. Despite Dirks’ pick did not generated any debate, Petrovic did it. As people tend not to recognize his impressive capacities. Even LeBron praised his shooting ability and athleticism. He also noted he was not afraid of anything neither the moment nor the pressure, something that he described as awesome.

In addition, his early death caused many players to tend to forget his imposing ability as in his last season he averaged 22.3 points per game for the New Jersey Nets who were enjoying perhaps Petrovic’s finest hour as he entered his prime. Despite being in the NBA for only 4 years, he managed to impose a legacy that continues to resonate in the minds of the league’s most assiduous fans.

Even legendary Indiana Pacers guard Reggie Miller found a striking way to describe Drazen Petrovic. In an appearance on HuffPost Live, he did not hold back admitting, “To this day, I tell people he was my hardest cover, and I hated him…Drove me absolutely mad with his antics, because he was so good at scoring the basketball right in my face and talking junk right in my ear.”

Are international players overshadowing American players? NBA star opens up about rising debate

The NBA has seen a dramatic shift over the past decade. International players now play a more prominent role than ever. For many, this reflects the league’s growing global influence. However, not everyone views the trend favorably. Some critics argue that the rise of international talent may affect American players. Addressing the debate, Kevin Durant offered a candid take on the league’s evolving identity.

“Most of these successful international guys either are influenced heavily by American basketball culture, played high school ball in America, some even went to college here. This whole convo is trash, basketball is a universal language, some people have different dialect…All this s*** is corny,” stated on X, formerly Twitter.

Although many disagree, international stars continue to take center stage. Players like Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo now lead the league. However, young Americans are not falling behind. Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum, and Cade Cunningham keep pace. With this, the competitiveness of the league increases each day consolidating in the global stage.

During the press conference, Harrison emphasized that his priority is the Mavericks’ success, even if that means making unpopular decisions. His remarks, however, included a subtle shot that many interpreted as a dismissal of Nowitzki’s opinion on the trade.

“My obligation is to the Dallas Mavericks. It’s what’s in the best interest of the Dallas Mavericks, and that’s the most important thing,” Harrison stated, via Tim Cato. “Some of those decisions are going to be unpopular—maybe to Dirk and maybe to the fans—but my obligation is to the Dallas Mavericks”.

These comments didn’t sit well with Cuban, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to defend Nowitzki. The billionaire entrepreneur made it clear where the heart of the franchise lies.

“Dirk is the Dallas Mavericks. Then, now, and forever,” Cuban wrote on his X account. “No one should ever forget that. That statue will be here forever. Loyalty never fades away”.

Cuban rallies fans ahead of key Mavericks matchup

As the Mavericks prepare for a pivotal game against the Sacramento Kings with playoff implications on the line, Cuban issued a heartfelt message to fans, urging them to back the team during this crucial stretch.

“I am a Mavs fan. I will always love and cheer for everyone who puts on our uniform,” Cuban stated. “Tomorrow night and however many games we have left this season and in every future season, whether I’m in the stands, in front of the TV, or following every play online, my heart and soul is committed to rooting for the Mavs to win”.

Cuban further called on fans to show unwavering support for the players despite the recent turmoil. “That will never change,” he added. “I know fans are upset. But don’t be upset at the players. Support them. Root for them. Rally behind them. MFFL stands for Mavs Fan FOR LIFE”.

As a franchise icon, Nowitzki played a pivotal role in helping Doncic adjust to the NBA and embrace his role as the face of the Mavericks. Even after the blockbuster trade, Dirk made it clear that his support for Luka remained unchanged. No one in Dallas expected a Doncic trade—not even Nowitzki. Like the rest of the basketball world, he was stunned. As soon as the news broke, he reached out to Luka.

“Of course, I immediately texted Luka. At first, he didn’t reply—understandable, he was probably a bit overwhelmed. In English, you’d say he had a lot going on,” Nowitzki said in an interview with his sister, Silke Mayer, on the 41 Campus podcast. “A day later, he finally responded. I think he was pretty emotional. He didn’t see it coming at all. And then I thought, it would be nice if I supported him at his first game.

“He hadn’t played for a while—he was injured himself. So, I flew to L.A. I just wanted to show him that our friendship still stands. We played together for a year—my last year—and I always tried to help him, be a mentor to him these past few years. I wanted to show him that I’m here for him, even though he’s somewhere else now. That we have a friendship, that I’m still there for him and his family.”

Doncic appreciates Nowitzki’s presence

Nowitzki was one of several former players and celebrities in attendance for Doncic’s Lakers debut on February 10 against the Utah Jazz. After the game, Luka expressed his gratitude for Dirk’s support.

“It meant a lot, man,” Doncic said. “For him to show up, [he’s] a great friend. Always looked up to him, [he’s a] great mentor. For him to fly all the way from Dallas was amazing. I really, really appreciated it.”

Where was Nowitzki when the trade happened?

Nowitzki, like many others, was caught off guard by the move. At the time, he was on vacation with his family, completely unaware that the Mavericks franchise-altering decision was unfolding.

“I was shocked,” Nowitzki told his sister on the 41 Campus podcast, via BasketNews.com. “We were in the Maldives, just relaxing at the beach. It was literally the last day, and I was in my room, about to pack my things. Then suddenly, my phone exploded with calls and messages from all over the world.

“I was so stunned that I just put everything aside. We were supposed to go for a quick lunch with the family before flying out, but instead, I sat in my room for an hour, scrolling through X, trying to figure out if it was real.”

At the time, however, Nowitzki faced skepticism from the media and even some fans. Despite his stellar regular season, the Mavericks suffered a shocking first-round playoff exit against the Golden State Warriors, raising questions about his ability to lead a team to a title.

So how did Nowitzki respond? He decided to take time off, embarking on a trip to Australia to clear his mind. In a 2007 interview with Marc Stein, then with ESPN, Nowitzki explained his decision.

“First of all, I always wanted to see Australia,” Nowitzki said. “But I really just wanted to get away [after the Golden State series]. Hopefully, our season is never going to be that short again, so this was my chance to get away for a good four or five weeks. It seemed like Australia was the best spot to go. Nobody cares about the MVP down there. It wasn’t hard at all [traveling] around. It was great, actually.”

The trip was a true retreat. Nowitzki camped out, slept in his car some nights, and even grew a full beard. “I shaved the night before we left and then I said that I’m not even going to take a razor,” he recalled. “After about three weeks, I had a full beard and I couldn’t even look at myself. But I had to keep it until I got back to Germany. I wanted everybody [in the family] to see it.”

Nowitzki’s MVP season

Nowitzki’s 2006-07 campaign was the finest of his career, cementing him as one of the best players of his generation. He led the Mavericks to an NBA-best 67-15 record, showcasing elite efficiency. He averaged 24.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, shooting an impressive 50.2% from the field, 41.6% from three-point range, and 90.4% from the free-throw line. In doing so, he became the first player in NBA history to join the exclusive 50-40-90 club while scoring over 2,000 points in a season.

However, his MVP year was overshadowed by the Mavericks‘ stunning first-round playoff exit. Despite being the league’s top team, Dallas fell to the eighth-seeded Warriors in one of the biggest upsets in NBA history. Nowitzki struggled in the series, averaging 19.7 points on just 38.3% shooting, leading to widespread criticism.

Though his MVP season ended in disappointment, it laid the foundation for his ultimate redemption. Nowitzki’s resilience and leadership eventually propelled the Mavericks to their first championship in 2011, solidifying his legacy as one of the game’s greatest. Over time, his impact on the sport has only grown, and his 2007 season remains a defining chapter in his Hall of Fame career.