OKC Thunder NBA Champion gives honest Dallas Mavericks statement

The Oklahoma City Thunder are the reigning NBA champions after a dominant season, though questions linger about Tyrese Haliburton's Game 7 Finals injury.

Two-time NBA champion Alex Caruso, interviewed about the upcoming season, commented on the Dallas Mavericks' prospects following their draft of Cooper Flagg. Caruso emphasized uncertainty, stating, "We got to see how they're gonna be," specifically noting Kyrie Irving's injury status ("He might be out the whole year. He might come back late. A lot of that depends on him.").

Irving tore his ACL in March and underwent surgery in April. Initial reports suggested a January or February return, but Irving has since indicated he won't rush his recovery, prioritizing being 100% healthy before returning.

Until Irving returns, the Mavericks present an interesting team dynamic with the addition of Flagg. While they possess a "loaded frontcourt" featuring Flagg, Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, and Naji Marshall, their backcourt is considered a potential weakness. The team signed D'Angelo Russell to fill in at point guard, but the article notes that relying on Russell "doesn't always lead to success."