Photo via Yahoo Sports

As a Mavericks fan, it’s usually the hope that kills you

The Dallas Mavericks have spent the past two years on an emotional rollercoaster, with highs like Luka Dončić’s game-winning isolation three over Rudy Gobert in the playoffs and the franchise’s 1.8% lottery win to draft Cooper Flagg, only to face crushing lows—injuries to Anthony Davis, roster turmoil, and the firing of head coach Nico Harrison. Now, under new leadership, the team is rebuilding with a core of young talent, including Flagg, who enters his second season with the potential to take a major step forward.

While the Mavs aren’t contenders this year, the foundation for future success is being laid, and fans may finally find reasons to believe in the next great iteration of the franchise—if they can temper their expectations for now.

Flagg’s development will be critical, as the 19-year-old must refine his three-point shooting and leadership to justify the hype surrounding his draft. Meanwhile, the team’s youthful roster—with an average age under 25—offers a fresh, high-energy approach, even if the path to a championship remains years away.

The challenge for Mavs fans will be balancing optimism with realism, recognizing that this season is about building, not winning.

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