The Dallas Mavericks kicked off their 2025 preseason slate with a 106-89 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Head coach Jason Kidd looked on as Cooper Flagg shone in his debut, leading the team on both ends of the floor. However, Dallas is without Dante Exume, Dennis Smith Jr., Caleb Martin, and Daniel Gafford thanks to injuries. Despite their absence, Kidd is optimistic.
The Mavericks are one of the more interesting teams heading into the season. On one hand, having Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Flagg on the same roster makes them scary. However, Irving is out for a few more months as he recovers from an ACL tear. Davis has to wear protective goggles because of an eye injury, and Flagg is unproved as a professional.
Despite the questions circling around the team, Kidd has a roster capable of taking a leap forward this season. However, it is not whole. After defeating the Thunder, the coach spoke about the status of players up and down his lineup.
While Exum and Gafford are a bit further away from a return, Smith Jr. and Martin are close to getting back on the court, according to Dallas Morning News writer Mike Curtis.
“Jason Kidd said Caleb Martin & Dennis Smith participated in half of today’s practice,” Curtis said. “Asked about Dante Exum & Kidd said, ‘He’s just out. That’s all I can tell you.' On Daniel Gafford: ‘Daniel’s doing a little running…I think he’s feeling better so he’s going in the right direction.'”
The Mavericks' health will play a large role in determining just how far they can go this season. Flagg is one of the favorites to win the Rookie of the Year Award. Kidd has come up with some interesting strategies that fans hope will make the most of a depleted roster. If Dallas is in the mix by the time Irving returns, they could be dangerous in a loaded Western Conference.
