By Juan Paolo David

Copyright sportskeeda

The Dallas Mavericks are ready to start the new chapter of their franchise this upcoming 2025-26 NBA season. The Mavericks brought in the new face of the team in Cooper Flagg, while Anthony Davis should be healthy to start the new campaign. Kyrie Irving remains sidelined due to a knee injury, while veterans like Klay Thompson, D’Angelo Russell and P.J. Washington could be in for bigger roles. Let’s look at the realistic expectations for the Mavs in their first full season since the Luka Doncic trade. 5 realistic expectations for the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025-26 NBA season#5. Moving on from Luka DoncicThis expectation is not just for the Dallas Mavericks organization, but also for its loyal fanbase. “Fire Nico” chants will likely remain in the stands at times, though it’s time to move on from Luka Doncic. That should be one of the priorities for the franchise and the fans. Cooper Flagg will help alleviate the pain of Doncic’s shocking trade. The Mavericks still need to further repair their relationship with the fans, and performing well on the court should help the healing process. Nico Harrison should avoid answering questions about the former Mavericks moving forward. #4. Not Rushing Kyrie Irving’s return from injuryKyrie Irving tore his left ACL back in March and is currently recovering from surgery. Irving looks fantastic in some of his workout videos, but the typical recovery timeline for such injuries takes nine to 12 months. At 33 years old, Irving needs all the time he needs to fully recover from the knee injury. The Dallas Mavericks can’t rush him to return even if they are in a position to compete for a top-four spot in the final two months of the regular season. #3. Managing Expectations for Cooper FlaggCooper Flagg was the number one pick for a reason. Outside of his shooting, he’s already a complete player and would be fun to watch. However, the Dallas Mavericks will need to manage expectations for their prized prospect.Flagg is allowed to struggle and make mistakes because he’s going to be adjusting to the speed and physicality of the NBA. But once he’s past that initial adjustment period, he should get the full reins to the Mavericks. #2. Using Depth to Alleviate Anthony Davis’ workloadAnthony Davis should be the Dallas Mavericks’ best player heading into the 2025-26 season. Davis is one of the best players in the world, as long as he’s healthy. He battled injuries last season and even underwent eye surgery this past summer.The Mavericks should monitor Davis’ workload and help him preserve his health by using their depth. P.J. Washington is going to be vital as a sixth man, while Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II will make his life easier on defense. #1. Finishing in the Top 6 of the Western ConferenceThe Western Conference is going to be loaded this upcoming season, with at least 10 legitimate playoff contenders. The Dallas Mavericks are expected to make the playoffs, as long as Anthony Davis is healthy, Cooper Flagg is as good as advertised and they play like a team under coach Jason Kidd.D’Angelo Russell has to step up his game in place of Kyrie Irving and hold the fort. He has the perfect skill set to succeed before adjusting to being the sixth man once Irving gets cleared to return. Klay Thompson could be motivated to be better since his personal life seems to be thriving this past summer.