Introduction to the NBA Season
The NBA season tips off in just under a month, and it should be a season of intrigue for the Dallas Mavericks and their fans. Dallas enters the season with high expectations even with the number of new faces on their roster, not the least of which is No. 1 overall draft pick Cooper Flagg.
Expectations and Rankings
In anticipation of the new season, ESPN and NBA insider Tim MacMahon are ranking the top 100 players in the NBA entering 2025-26, starting with Nos. 100-11. The top 10 will be released later this week. Three Mavericks appeared in the first half of ESPN’s list, including what is perhaps a surprisingly high ranking for the rookie Flagg. Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving, along with Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Lillard, Dejounte Murray, Jayson Tatum, and Fred VanVleet are not part of this season’s rankings because of their long-term injuries.
Mavericks Players Ranked
P.J. Washington, F
Washington’s role on the 2025-26 team is flexible, but uncertain at the moment. Fresh off signing a four-year extension, the 27-year-old could be in the starting lineup or come off the bench this season. Either way, as MacMahon writes, Washington is still expected to be a key piece in Dallas, and the emotional pulse of the Mavericks team. MacMahon: “His athleticism and versatility are valued in Dallas, which relies on the 6-7 Washington as a primary defender from point guards to power forwards. He averaged a career-best 7.8 rebounds per game and was one of only eight players in the league to average at least one steal and one block (minimum 50 games).”
Dereck Lively II, C
Lively fell 17 spots from last year’s list after playing only 36 games in 2024-25, and that’s after only playing 55 in his rookie season. Lively’s health and availability will be crucial for both his own success and for the Mavericks’, and it’s not getting off to a great start with Lively requiring offseason foot surgery on the same foot he suffered a stress fracture in last season. That, plus questions about his effectiveness without lob-machine Luka Doncic, could explain his precipitous drop. MacMahon: “The Mavs believe that Lively, a springy 7-footer with the ability to protect the rim and guard on the perimeter, has the potential to develop into a Defensive Player of the Year. He’s a spectacular finisher who has dunked 207 of his 355 career buckets, but Lively likely won’t get as many lobs after Doncic‘s departure.”
Cooper Flagg, F
For reference, San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama was ranked by ESPN as the No. 47 player in the NBA prior to the start of his rookie season. Flagg’s ranking might seem high for a guy who’s only played 37 games above the high school level, but it speaks to the expectations and the promise of the 18-year-old top pick. MacMahon: “The 18-year-old Flagg, who might be the most anticipated American prospect since LeBron James, arrives in the NBA in a distinctive position of being a No. 1 pick on a veteran-heavy roster with playoff aspirations. Mavs coach Jason Kidd plans to give the 6-9 Flagg plenty of opportunity to prove that he can flourish as a point forward. Kidd took a similar approach with a young Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, but the Greek Freak wasn’t surrounded by 30-something future Hall of Famers the way Flagg will be in Dallas."
Anthony Davis, F/C
Davis didn’t move much from last season’s rankings. He entered the 2024-25 season ranked at No. 13 and he maintains his positioning as one of the best players in the league going into this season. Davis’ two-way dominance makes it difficult to place him anywhere outside the top 15, especially when he’s not hindered by injuries. MacMahon: “The entire spectrum of the AD experience was on display during Davis’ Mavs debut. He was brilliant on both ends of the floor for 2½ quarters and then went down in a heap in the middle of the paint, suffering an injury initially believed to be minor that ended up sidelining the 10-time All-Star for the next six weeks. When Davis is healthy, there are few players who have the blend of offensive production and defensive impact."
Recent Mavericks News
The Mavericks have announced their training camp roster ahead of the 2025-26 season. On Friday afternoon, the Mavs revealed who will be in attendance for the team’s upcoming training camp.
Conclusion
The upcoming NBA season promises to be an exciting one for the Dallas Mavericks, with new faces and high expectations. The rankings of the top 100 players in the NBA will continue to unfold, with the top 10 to be released later. As the season approaches, fans can look forward to seeing how the Mavericks’ new roster comes together and competes against the best teams in the league.
FAQs
Q: Who are the three Mavericks players ranked in the first half of ESPN’s list
