Entering the 2026-27 NBA season, the Dallas Mavericks are facing a lot of uncertainty surrounding the top five names who will be the starters for the team. And rookie NBA coach Dusty May is not stressing about the issue.
May addressed the speculation surrounding Dallas’ first and second units Wednesday, saying the Mavericks are still focused on smaller lineup combinations rather than establishing a starting five.
“I think with our team it's going to be an ongoing thing,” May said during the media interaction. “I can't, I can't see us settling now on a starting 5 anytime soon for a number of reasons.”
“I've been pleasantly surprised with how these guys are problem-solving and working together. They look like they really enjoy passing and sharing the ball, which is always a great sign,” the coach added while answering a question on team chemistry.
Article Continues BelowDusty May on the Mavs starting 5:
“I think with our team it’s going to be an ongoing thing. I can’t see us settling in on a starting 5 anytime soon.” pic.twitter.com/YGR7WG32fn
— Ron Harrod Jr. (@RonKnowsSports) September 30, 2026
The Mavericks hired May in June this year. He is coming off a veteran coaching experience in college basketball. He led Florida Atlantic to the Final Four in 2023, and he helped Michigan win the national championship this year in April.
He is now tasked with helping build the roster around Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg in a post-Luka Doncic era.
As for the current roster dynamics, Kyrie Irving has returned without restrictions after tearing the ACL in his left knee 18 months ago, while Flagg is entering his second season after winning ROTY.
The Mavericks also have several big men dealing with limitations. Morez Johnson Jr. is managing lower leg soreness, while Santi Aldama is returning from a March knee procedure and Dereck Lively II is recovering from December foot surgery.