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Mavs Hire Dusty May, Build Around Irving, Flagg

7/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Dusty May was hired as the Dallas Mavericks’ head coach after winning the 2025 national championship with Michigan.
In his first media appearance, May likened Kyrie Irving’s workout to a Picasso painting.
The Mavericks will keep Cooper Flagg and expect Kyrie Irving to return from an ACL injury for opening night.
General manager Masai Ujiri said the team will build around the Flagg-Irving pairing and denied any Irving trade rumors.

History

Historical Context

In 1996 the Spurs hired Gregg Popovich, who after rescuing a 20-62 team turned the franchise around by drafting Tim Duncan in 1997 and pairing him with veteran David Robinson. The Twin Towers led San Antonio to NBA titles in 1999 and 2003, beginning a dynasty that eventually produced five championships. Dallas’s 2025 hiring of Dusty May to develop the Flagg-Irving duo mirrors Popovich’s blueprint.

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Story summary

Dusty May was hired as the Dallas Mavericks’ head coach after winning the 2025 national championship with Michigan.
In his first media appearance, May likened Kyrie Irving’s workout to a Picasso painting.
The Mavericks will keep Cooper Flagg and expect Kyrie Irving to return from an ACL injury for opening night.
General manager Masai Ujiri said the team will build around the Flagg-Irving pairing and denied any Irving trade rumors.

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