Dusty May is set to coach the Dallas Mavericks after leading Michigan to its first national championship in 37 years, according to AP. The announcement was made during his introductory news conference held on Monday at the Mavericks’ arena in Dallas.
What happened
Dusty May expressed his excitement about transitioning from college basketball to the NBA, specifically with the Dallas Mavericks. “This is all too big of a dream,” said May during the conference. He noted that while he never envisioned coaching in the NBA, he had prepared for this opportunity for years.
At the press event, May was flanked by Masai Ujiri, the new president of basketball operations. His family and NBA Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg were also present. Flagg, the centerpiece of the team, is part of a new roster that features two NBA veterans, Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson.[2]
May addressed any perceptions of favoritism, especially regarding the draft choice of Morez Johnson Jr., saying, “I’m on Rez’s team now, so he’s definitely my favorite.” He emphasized that the team environment fosters mutual support among players.
Why it matters
The Mavericks are transitioning into a new phase after failing to reach the playoffs in the past two seasons. With Luka Doncic traded mid-season to the Los Angeles Lakers and a year of mismanagement leading to a dismal record, the team hopes May will revitalize their fortunes. Ujiri stated, “We want to bring joy back to basketball here,” reflecting the urgency for a turnaround.[1]
Background
On February 2025, the surprise trade of Luka Doncic marked a turning point for the Mavericks. This led to the firing of general manager Nico Harrison in November as the team struggled with a 26-56 record, the worst since drafting Doncic in 2018. The hiring of Ujiri and general manager Mike Schmitz signaled a fundamental shift in the franchise’s direction. May’s appointment comes amid this 17-month upheaval.[3]
What’s next
As the Mavericks prepare for the upcoming season, they have exercised their 2026-27 contract option for point guard Ryan Nembhard, while also evaluating the contributions of new and returning players to build a competitive roster.
