The Association: Dallas Mavericks

[studbucket]

Re: The Association: Dallas Mavericks

Love that piece! Great idea and execution

[vtcha]

Bobby Karalla-USA TODAY Sports

---

After the huge announcement from Ben Simmons, the Mavs still had a tonne of cap space to use. In turn, the dominoes started to fall with the former big three all re-signing to discounted deals. Granted they were 1-yr deals with a player option, DeMarcus Cousins took the biggest pay cut, signing for just $9.4 million next season.

As a result, this allowed the team to chase after another big star. There were rumors that the Mavericks scheduling meetings with Joel Embiid, however, it never came to fruition, with Embiid later re-signing with the 76ers. As the free agent pool started to dry up, Dallas was able to agree to terms with former Mavericks, Marcus Smart and Harrison Barnes.

They also brought back Caris LeVert, whom had a lot of suitors after his great postseason run. Unfortunately with the acquisition of Simmons, they simply couldn't afford to retain Wenyen Gabriel, who returns back to New Orleans after signing a lucrative 2-yr, $18 million offer.

Around the league, most of the other big names, such as Andrew Wiggins, Brandon Ingram, Dejounte Miller and Devin Booker, all re-signed with their respective teams. However, Jabari Parker shocked the Suns as he elected to sign with Houston, re-uniting him with Lonzo Ball and forming their own big three with James Harden. Furthermore, at the age of 36 years, Russell Westbrook chased after that one final payday, signing with the Pacers for 3-yrs, $111 million.


You can see other notable player movements in free agency below.
* Mavericks signings highlighted in blue.

• Mavericks re-sign Tim Hardaway Jr. to 1yr/$2.50M deal
• Pistons sign Jae Crowder to 2yr/$5.66M deal
• Clippers re-sign Dejounte Miller to 5yr/$154.74M deal
• Mavericks sign Ben Simmons to 3yr/$106.10M deal
• Knicks sign Malcolm Gibbs to 3yr/$84.68M deal
• Mavericks sign Marcus Smart to 2yr/$29.04M deal
• Suns sign Clint Erickson to 2yr/$28.07M deal
• 76ers re-sign Joel Embiid to 5yr/$186.69M deal
• Lakers re-sign Brandon Ingram to 5yr/$176.65M deal
• Trail Blazers re-sign Marquese Chriss to 4yr/$138.40M deal
• Mavericks re-sign John Wall to 1yr/$20.00M deal
• Mavericks re-sign Paul George to 1yr/$14.00M deal
• Mavericks re-sign DeMarcus Cousins to 1yr/$9.40M deal
• Heat sign Tyus Jones to 2yr/$29.90M deal
• Grizzlies re-sign Cameron Paynes to 3yr/$21.80M deal
• Suns re-sign Devin Booker to 5yr/$193.93M deal
• Timberwolves re-sign Andrew Wiggins to 5yr/$206.09M deal
• Nets sign Malik Monk to 3yr/$62.14M deal
• Thunder re-sign Ivica Zubac to 4yr/$126.97M deal
• Mavericks sign Harrison Barnes to 1yr/$2.30M deal
• Trail Blazers sign Nasir Abdul-Wahad to 4yr/$18.74M deal
• Trail Blazers re-sign Stanley Johnson to 4yr/$120.94M deal
• Kings sign Nerlens Noel to 3yr/$77.67M deal
• Kings sign Isaac Bonga to 3yr/$68.88M deal
• Bulls re-sign Dzanan Musa to 2yr/$22.77M deal
• 76ers sign Rondae Hollis-Jefferson to 3yr/$54.35M deal
• Pacers sign Cheick Diallo to 3yr/$40.57M deal
• Nets sign Tyler Ulis to 3yr/$38.35M deal
• Knicks sign Elliot Newble to 2yr/$27.11M deal
• Bulls sign Nikola Vucevic to 2yr/$24.04M deal
• Heat sign Kris Thompkins to 2yr/$16.88M deal
• Pelicans sign Wenyen Gabriel to 2yr/$17.91M deal
• Kings sign Emmanuel Mudiay to 3yr/$96.77M deal
• Pacers sign Russell Westbrook to 3yr/$111.05M deal
• Nets sign Julius Randle to 3yr/$88.84M deal
• Rockets sign Jabari Parker to 4yr/$144.96M deal
• Hawks sign Devin Robinson to 1yr/$1.32M deal
• Mavericks re-sign Ricky Rubio to 1yr/$3.00M deal
• Mavericks re-sign Steven Adams to 1yr/$1.32M deal
• Mavericks re-sign Caris LeVert to 2yr/$18.85M deal
• Mavericks sign Clayton Karnowski to 1yr/$976k deal
  

[lazershow]

Re: The Association: Dallas Mavericks

Teams looking good. Simmons should take a little weight off everyone's responsibilities.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Operation Sports mobile app

[trekfan]

Re: The Association: Dallas Mavericks

Ohhh, very nice. That veteran core+Simmons in his prime=repeat? I like the signings. The return of Ricky RUBIOOOOOOOOOOOOO is always welcome.

[vtcha]

Can Ben Simmons co-exist with the championship squad and repeat this upcoming season?   |   Bobby Karalla-USA TODAY Sports

---

With the Mavs 2025-26 schedule released on yesterday morning, Dallas will be opening their 46th season at home against the Phoenix Suns. They'll also receive their championship rings and raise the banner prior to the game after winning it all last season.

The Mavericks will then travel to Memphis, with Marcus Smart set to face his old Grizzlies team.

Fans will want to mark December 13 as the Mavs take on the Thunder in a rematch of last year's Western Conference final.

On January 27, Dallas hosts the re-tooled Houston Rockets, featuring the additions of Lonzo Ball and Jabari Parker, in what is anticipated to be a fierce division rivalry.

The Mavs will conclude their regular season at home on April 13 as they face former MVP, Markelle Fultz, and the Utah Jazz.

You can see the full schedule below.

[lakers24]

Re: The Association: Dallas Mavericks

WOW, did not see that coming lol. Definitely great idea and execution on the Players Tribune article, I was thinking of doing something similar in the offseasons. What's Simmons' overall now? He's a superstar now?

[vtcha]

What's Simmons' overall now? He's a superstar now?

From memory, I think his overall was 90.

It was hard to pan him as the number one option in Philly because Embiid would frequently overshadow him. However, he took his game to another level a few seasons ago when Okafor joined the Grizzlies. He became a consistent scoring threat, averaging 20+ PPG and he also came runner-up last year in the MVP voting.

[lakers24]

Re: The Association: Dallas Mavericks

From memory, I think his overall was 90.

It was hard to pan him as the number one option in Philly because Embiid would frequently overshadow him. However, he took his game to another level a few seasons ago when Okafor joined the Grizzlies. He became a consistent scoring threat, averaging 20+ PPG and he also came runner-up last year in the MVP voting.

Wow, that's definitely a big get for your franchise to keep the dynasty going. Who's the big star in next summers free agency? I'm asking because with the rest of the core nearing retirement and on one year deals I figure you're angling to land a big fish again next summer.

[vtcha]

Who's the big star in next summers free agency? I'm asking because with the rest of the core nearing retirement and on one year deals I figure you're angling to land a big fish again next summer.

Tyshawn Atkins, Lonzo Ball, Moses Williams, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jarell Benson to name a few.

However, I don't think I'll have enough room to land another big free agent, especially with a few of the players on the current roster with player options at the end of the season.

[vtcha]

---

2025-26 Season Preview

After winning it all last season, the Mavericks took the icing on the cake by nabbing one of the hottest free agents this summer. With Ben Simmons on board, the Mavericks have immediately ascended him as their franchise player, surrounding him with champion aging stars. From a mental standpoint, the knowledge will be endless for Simmons, whom will have a plethora of hall of famers to hone his craft from.

In other transactions, Dallas acquired former number one pick, Steve Lever, on draft day in exchange for two future first round picks. Lever figures to see plenty of open looks on a talented and deep roster. And with the former big three all taking discounted deals, the Mavs had additional cap space to bring back Marcus Smart to further bolster their bench.

Despite letting Wenyen Gabriel walk in free agency, Dallas was able to bring back the rest of the squad from last year, including the likes of Caris LeVert, Steven Adams, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Ricky Rubio.

On paper, the Mavericks are the red hot favorites to repeat, but with everyone basically a year older, the entire success will all hinge on Ben Simmons and how he'll fit with Dallas' other veteran stars, particularly John Wall, whom are both considered ball-dominant players.

---

Team Roster

	#11 John Wall | PG University of Kentucky
	Height: 6'4"	DOB: Sep 6, 1990 (35 years old)
	Weight: 210 lbs	Drafted: 2010 (1st Rnd, 1st by WAS)
	Nationality: American	Experience: 15 years
STATS GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG 2024-25 Season 14 31.9 48.4 83.5 4.1 13.1 2.1 1.1 18.6 Career 542 35.2 44.3 78.7 4.3 9.5 1.8 0.7 18.6

	#10 Tim Hardaway Jr. | SG University of Michigan
	Height: 6'6"	DOB: Mar 16, 1992 (33 years old)
	Weight: 205 lbs	Drafted: 2013 (1st Rnd, 24th by NYK)
	Nationality: American	Experience: 12 years
STATS GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG 2024-25 Season 14 18.1 41.5 100.0 1.6 1.0 0.9 0.4 6.4 Career 328 23.0 41.6 84.0 1.9 1.3 0.5 0.2 9.1

	#12 DeMarcus Cousins | C University of Kentucky
	Height: 6'11"	DOB: Aug 13, 1990 (35 years old)
	Weight: 270 lbs	Drafted: 2010 (1st Rnd, 5th by SAC)
	Nationality: American	Experience: 15 years
STATS GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG 2024-25 Season 14 31.1 58.9 76.2 10.0 1.3 0.9 1.7 20.8 Career 537 31.8 48.5 73.2 11.0 2.6 1.4 1.3 21.1

	#13 Paul George | SF California State University, Fresno
	Height: 6'10"	DOB: May 2, 1990 (35 years old)
	Weight: 220 lbs	Drafted: 2010 (1st Rnd, 10th by IND)
	Nationality: American	Experience: 15 years
STATS GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG 2024-25 Season 14 33.6 42.9 84.0 6.1 3.0 0.9 0.8 20.5 Career 498 33.1 43.2 84.4 6.5 3.4 1.7 0.6 18.2

	#8 Bronx Johnson | SF/PF University of Kentucky
	Height: 6'7"	Age: 22 years old
	Weight: 220 lbs	Drafted: 2022 (1st Rnd, 22nd by DAL)
	Nationality: American	Experience: 3 years
STATS GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG 2024-25 Season 14 23.1 42.1 74.3 3.9 1.4 0.7 0.5 7.2 Career 42 22.7 45.9 73.7 3.6 1.1 0.6 0.7 7.5

	#9 Ricky Rubio | PG Divina Seguros Joventut (Spain)
	Height: 6'4"	DOB: Oct 21, 1990 (35 years old)
	Weight: 190 lbs	Drafted: 2009 (1st Rnd, 5th by MIN)
	Nationality: Spanish	Experience: 14 years
STATS GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG 2024-25 Season 13 14.0 26.7 87.5 1.1 4.9 0.5 0.1 1.8 Career 401 28.7 36.8 82.4 3.9 7.5 2.0 0.1 8.8

	#23 Caris LeVert | SG/SF University of Michigan
	Height: 6'6"	DOB: Aug 25, 1994 (31 years old)
	Weight: 185 lbs	Drafted: 2016 (1st Rnd, 20th by IND)
	Nationality: American	Experience: 9 years
STATS GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG 2024-25 Season 14 28.1 39.6 91.7 2.4 1.3 1.0 0.5 8.6 Career 103 25.1 42.7 92.1 4.6 3.4 0.6 0.9 7.6

	#21 Steven Adams | C University of Pittsburgh
	Height: 7'0"	DOB: Jul 20, 1993 (32 years old)
	Weight: 255 lbs	Drafted: 2013 (1st Rnd, 12th by OKC)
	Nationality: New Zealand	Experience: 12 years
STATS GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG 2024-25 Season 14 16.5 77.8 68.2 6.1 0.5 0.4 1.4 3.1 Career 357 24.0 56.3 59.4 6.8 0.6 0.7 1.2 7.9

	#38 Steve Lever | SF/SG Duke University
	Height: 6'6"	Age: 28 years old
	Weight: 195 lbs	Drafted: 2019 (1st Rnd, 1st by ORL)
	Nationality: American	Experience: 6 years
STATS GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG 2024-25 Season 14 25.9 42.2 83.8 3.2 2.2 0.6 0.5 11.6 Career 83 28.7 42.1 87.7 3.8 2.9 1.0 0.4 13.2

	#25 Ben Simmons | PF Louisiana State University
	Height: 6'10"	DOB: Jul 20, 1996 (29 years old)
	Weight: 240 lbs	Drafted: 2016 (1st Rnd, 1st by PHI)
	Nationality: Australian	Experience: 9 years
STATS GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG 2024-25 Season 14 36.2 47.7 68.0 9.8 7.9 1.1 1.8 21.6 Career 120 33.7 45.9 68.9 10.0 6.6 1.5 1.2 16.1

	#33 Marcus Smart | PG/SG Oklahoma State University
	Height: 6'4"	DOB: March 6, 1994 (31 years old)
	Weight: 220 lbs	Drafted: 2014 (1st Rnd, 6th by BOS)
	Nationality: American	Experience: 11 years
STATS GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG 2024-25 Season 14 24.0 33.1 83.3 2.9 3.6 2.0 0.5 10.5 Career 254 27.4 36.9 75.0 3.7 4.0 1.6 0.3 9.8

	#40 Harrison Barnes | PF/SF University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
	Height: 6'9"	DOB: May 30, 1992 (33 years old)
	Weight: 225 lbs	Drafted: 2012 (1st Rnd, 7th by GSW)
	Nationality: American	Experience: 13 years
STATS GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG 2024-25 Season 14 20.6 29.1 80.0 2.2 0.4 0.6 0.0 4.6 Career 426 29.0 44.3 78.7 4.6 1.5 0.8 0.3 12.0

	#42 Clayton Karnowski | C Gonzaga University
	Height: 7'2"	Age: 22 years old
	Weight: 302 lbs	Drafted: 2025 (2nd Rnd, 33rd by POR)
	Nationality: American	Experience: Rookie
STATS GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG 2024-25 Season Career

---

Player Contracts

Key: Team Option, Player Option, Non-Guaranteed

PLAYER	2025-26	2026-27	2027-28	2028-29	2029-30
Ben Simmons	$33,840,000	$35,370,000	$36,890,000	$38,410,000
John Wall	$20,000,000	$20,900,000
Marcus Smart	$14,200,000	$14,840,000	$15,480,000
Paul George	$14,000,000	$14,630,000
Steve Lever	$9,500,000
DeMarcus Cousins	$9,400,000	$9,820,000
Caris LeVert	$9,220,000	$9,630,000
Ricky Rubio	$3,000,000	$3,130,000
Tim Hardaway Jr.	$2,500,000
Bronx Johnson	$2,310,000
Harrison Barnes	$2,300,000
Steven Adams	$1,320,000
Clayton Karnowski	$976,000

---

Future Draft Pick Status

IN	OUT
2026 second-round pick from Portland Unprotected.	2026 first round draft pick to Indiana. Unprotected. 2026 second-round pick to Indiana Unprotected. 2028 first-round pick to Indiana Unprotected.

[vtcha]

Since the Mavericks were crowned the NBA Champions last season, many teams have undergone a number of changes over the long summer offseason. NBA.com's John Schuhmann will grade each franchise -- from the best team to the last -- in the inaugural Power Rankings for the 2025-26 NBA season.

* * *

NBA.com's Power Rankings, are just one man's opinion. If you have an issue with the rankings, or have a question or comment for John Schuhmann, send him an e-mail or contact him via Twitter.

1

Dallas (Last season: 11-3) Head Coach: Rick Carlisle An easy choice being the reigning champions, but did Ben Simmons make the right choice this summer?

Projected Depth Chart
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	John Wall	Marcus Smart	Ricky Rubio
SG	Caris LeVert	Tim Hardaway Jr.
SF	Paul George	Steve Lever
PF	Ben Simmons	Bronx Johnson	Harrison Barnes
C	DeMarcus Cousins	Steven Adams	Clayton Karnowski

2

Denver (Last season: 8-6) Head Coach: Benjamin Walker After getting knocked out by the eventual champions, the Nuggets will look to bounce back now with head coach, Benjamin Walker, and Jimmy Butler having a year under their belts.

Projected Depth Chart
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	De'Aaron Fox	Terry Rozier
SG	Isaac Bishop	Johnson Jones
SF	Jimmy Butler	Kostas Antetokounmpo	V.J. Beachem	Patrick Berry
PF	Nikola Jokic	Bob Rush	Chief Thompson
C	De'Andre Ayton	Isaiah Hartenstein

3

Washington (Last season: 6-8) Head Coach: Tyronn Lue After missing the playoffs , can new coach, Tyronn Lue, get the Wizards back into title contention?

Projected Depth Chart
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	Dennis Smith Jr.	Trey McNeal	Tomas Satoransky
SG	Gordon Hayward	Antonio Blakeney	Curtis Palmer
SF	Otto Porter	Rodney Gaines	Justin Crawford
PF	Kevin Love	Davis Bertans	Martin Olic	Jerami Grant
C	Brandon O'Neal	Jacob Jackson

4

Charlotte (Last season: 11-3) Head Coach: Scott Brooks After getting a taste of NBA Finals, do the Hornets have what it takes to go one extra step this season?

Projected Depth Chart
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	Sheldon Overton	Frank Jackson	Sean Jean-Charles
SG	Tim Potter	Scooter Outlaw
SF	Jarell Benson	Jabari Logan
PF	Thomas Bryant	Jarnell Stokes	Felix Padillo
C	Lawrence Howard	Skyler Olson	Terrell Schmidt

5

Oklahoma City (Last season: 11-3) Head Coach: Oliver Gordon The Thunder sharpened up their bench by upgrading it slightly in the offseason. They'll still heavily rely on MVP, Matthew Holland, nonetheless.

Projected Depth Chart
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	Matthew Holland	Isaiah Briscoe	Jayjon Webster
SG	Malachi Richardson	Josh Richardson	Rion Strickland
SF	Luka Doncic	Jayden Johnson
PF	Ivica Zubac	Domantas Sabonis	Joffrey Lauvergne
C	Moses Williams	Bobby Portis

6

Minnesota (Last season: 8-6) Head Coach: Ron Adams Does former Warriors assistant, Ron Adams, have what it takes to guide the T'Wolves past the Conference Semifinals?

Projected Depth Chart
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	Isaiah Thomas	Raul Neto	Chevon Best
SG	C.J. McCollum	Alec Burks	Kerwin Roach
SF	Andrew Wiggins	Justin Anderson	Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot
PF	Harry Giles	Armando Perez
C	Karl-Anthony Towns	Marco Gomez

7

L.A. Lakers (Last season: 4-10) Head Coach: Quin Snyder After a disastrous season last year, the Lakers found hope in landing the number one pick. And now with Griffin re-upping, do they have enough to get back in the Playoffs?

Projected Depth Chart
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	Alejandro Ruiz	Trevon Duval
SG	D'Angelo Russell	Jordan Clarkson
SF	Brandon Ingram	Byron Stevens
PF	Blake Griffin	Simi Sh1ttu	Antawn Jefferies	Marques Bolden
C	Devon Sharpe	Earl Norton	Reggie Davis	Ike Anigbogu

8

Philadelphia (Last season: 10-4) Head Coach: Mike Budenholzer Despite losing Simmons, the Sixers were able to lock Embiid to a max contract. As the sole leader of the team, can he continue carrying the 76ers to title hopes?

Projected Depth Chart
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	Elfrid Payton	Calbert Petersen	Donnell Pierce
SG	Terrance Ferguson	Avery Bradley
SF	Rondae Hollis-Jefferson	Darion Mitchell	Maurice Harkless
PF	Tobias Harris	Chimezie Metu
C	Joel Embiid	Jarrett Allen	Dainius Vinicius

9

Detroit (Last season: 9-5) Head Coach: Brad Stevens With Atkins already a superstar in the making, will this be the year he takes the Pistons deep into the postseason?

Projected Depth Chart
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	Tyshawn Atkins	Immanuel Quickley
SG	Zach LaVine	Ben McLemore	Hariss Constantin
SF	Kostja Mushidi	Jae Crowder
PF	Lauri Markkanen	Yunlong Li	Nikola Mirotic
C	Andre Drummond	Tony Bradley	Janis Krstic

10

Utah (Last season: 9-5) Head Coach: Nate McMillan The Jazz will look to get back on track, now shifting Romero and Porter as their starting center and power forward.

Projected Depth Chart
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	Markelle Fultz	Dante Exum	Braxton Johnson
SG	Bradley Beal	James Young
SF	Malcolm Hill	Dakoulas Balidis
PF	Michael Porter Jr.	Caleb Swanigan	Nathan Byars
C	Axel Romero	Marcus Barrow	Diamond Stone

11

San Antonio (Last season: 6-8) Head Coach: Gregg Popovich Despite losing Malik Monk, the Spurs found replacements in DeMar Brooks and Rodney Hood. They'll be hoping both can play a big part off the bench.

Projected Depth Chart
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	Sherron Davis	Scooter Patterson	Jacob Walsh
SG	Hamidou Diallo	DeMar Brooks	Braden Samuel	Bryson Oakley
SF	Kawhi Leonard	Rodney Hood
PF	Skal Labissiere
C	Marvin Bagley III	Wayman Little	Marcus Winter

12

Boston (Last season: 7-7) Head Coach: Doc Rivers With all starting five in their primes, expect big things this season. Although, there is a huge concern at the team's lack of perimeter depth.

Projected Depth Chart
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	Kriss Dunn	Shake Milton
SG	Russell Warner
SF	Jaylen Brown
PF	Ivan Rabb	Derrick Favors	Dario Golob	Jordan Brown
C	Randall Person	Greg Monroe	Solomon N'diaye	Dillon Young

13

L.A. Clippers (Last season: 8-6) Head Coach: Jason Kidd After Dejounte Miller missed last year's playoffs due to injury, he'll be looking to avenge his team's defeat this season.

Projected Depth Chart
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	Collin Sexton	Bruce Brown
SG	Dejounte Miller	Lonnie Walker
SF	Taurean Prince	Kelly Oubre	James Michael Johnson-King	Matthew Hope
PF	Bernard Benjamin	Jayson Tatum	Kevon Looney	Noah Vonleh
C	DeAndre Jordan	Alonzo Drew

14

Golden State (Last season: 6-8) Head Coach: Steve Kerr Is there anything left in the tank for the aging stars or will the Warriors look to ship them off while they still can?

Projected Depth Chart
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	Stephen Curry	Roy Columbus	Dani Beaubois	Bernard Warren
SG	Klay Thompson	Gabe Madison
SF	Kevin Durant	Andre Roberson
PF	Dragan Bender	Carlton Bragg Jr.	Joel Bolomboy	Richaun Holmes
C	Damian Jones	Daequan Harris

15

Portland (Last season: 4-10) Head Coach: Kevin McHale Portland quietly made some underrated moves, first acquiring Erik Wright, then re-signing both Marquese Chriss and Stanley Johnson to long-term deals.

Projected Depth Chart
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	Damian Lillard	Kemba Walker	Patrick Beverley
SG	Erik Wright	Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
SF	Stanley Johnson	Justin Jackson
PF	Bam Adebayo	Nasir Abdul-Wahad	Markieff Morris	Martin Olic
C	Marquese Chriss	Omer Yurtseven

16

Toronto (Last season: 6-8) Head Coach: Vince Carter With VC back in Toronto, is it redemption year for the under-achievers??

Projected Depth Chart
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	Ja'Kel Smart	Patrick McGinnis
SG	Kevin Knox	Ifeanyi Lawal	Juvonte Stokes
SF	Jonathan Isaac	Alfredo Snow
PF	Zion Williamson	Dario Saric	Deonte King
C	Jakob Poeltl	Emmanuel Owens	Marcus Blackwell

17

Indiana (Last season: 4-10) Head Coach: Terry Stotts Perhaps the Pacers didn't get the memo when they signed Russell Westbrook to a $111 million deal - he's 36 years old.

Projected Depth Chart
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	Russell Westbrook	Isaac Tate	Wade Baldwin
SG	Louis Clancy	Cameron Morrison	Courtney Walker
SF	Mario Hezonja	Edmond Sumner
PF	Myles Turner	Cheick Diallo	Caleb Anderson
C	Steven Jones	Eddy Thomas

18

Chicago (Last season: 9-5) Head Coach: Kaleb Canales After last season's surprising run in the playoffs, how far can Darnell Hardaway and Jamal Murray carry the Bulls this time around?

Projected Depth Chart
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	Jamal Murray
SG	Cameron Reddish	Rawle Alkins
SF	Darnell Hardaway	Dzanan Musa	Rolando Blackwell
PF	Wendell Carter	Chris McCullough	Carlos Ramos	Doug Andersen
C	Jusuf Nurkic	Solomon Sene	Nikola Vucevic

19

Houston (Last season: 5-9) Head Coach: James Wallace The Rockets went all in on Lonzo Ball. Now with James Harden opting in his final year, they're both set to becoming unrestricted free agents next summer - will it be worth the gamble?

Projected Depth Chart
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	Lonzo Ball	Martell Jackson	Cory Joseph	Wil Thompson
SG	James Harden	Josh Robinson	Kyle Guy
SF	Lonnie Hendrix	Bruno Caboclo
PF	Jabari Parker	Brayden Tyler
C	Thon Maker	Rudy Gobert	Jonathan Jeanne

20

New York (Last season: 7-7) Head Coach: Billy Donovan The Knicks will be taking a leap of faith, signing former number one pick, Elliot Newble, as their starting center, thus allowing Kristaps Porzingis to slide back at his natural power forward spot.

Projected Depth Chart
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	Darius Garland	Melo Trimble	Courtney Macklin
SG	Gary Harris	Kevin Rivers
SF	Malcolm Gibbs	Will Harrington
PF	Kristaps Porzingis	Brice Johnson	J.T. Woods	Tyronn Singleton
C	Elliot Newble	Esteban Cortez	Ryan Franklin

21

Sacramento (Last season: 2-12) Head Coach: Jacob Eddie Some questionable moves from the Kings this offseason, from drafting another center in Jaka Moore to signing Emmanuel Mudiay and Nerlens Noel, even though they're already solidifed at those positions.

Projected Depth Chart
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	Frank Ntilikina
SG	Emmanuel Mudiay	DeQuan Beasley
SF	Michael Kidd-Gilchrist	Kyle Anderson	Bo Battle	Mo York
PF	Nerlens Noel	Wyatt Lee	Dmitri Medvedenko
C	Moses Brown	Jaka Moore	Lance Lee

22

Memphis (Last season: 9-5) Head Coach: Logan Schmidt Not much changes with the exception of losing Marcus Smart in free agency. The Grizzlies, on paper, look bound for another solid season.

Projected Depth Chart
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	Cameron Payne	Mikey Conley	Alejandro Diaz
SG	Grayson Allen	Patrick McCaw
SF	Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk	T.J. Warren
PF	Jahlil Okafor	Bennie Boatwright	Zay Cheaney
C	Henry Ellenson	Cody Zeller

23

Miami (Last season: 7-7) Head Coach: Dwyane Wade With the same core, expect another mediocre run from the Heat this season.

Projected Depth Chart
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	Tyus Jones	Michael Carter-Williams	Shondre Mac
SG	Justise Winslow	Kris Thompkins	Ellis Flowers
SF	Josh Jackson	Isaiah Pondexter
PF	Wizard Kelly	Willy Hernangomez
C	Chinanu Onuaku	A.J. Hammons	Demetrius Peeler

24

Brooklyn (Last season: 7-7) Head Coach: Steve Clifford The Nets look to be on the uptick, acquiring veterans Julius Randle and Malik Monk in the offseason. The key to their success will still hinge on Romeo Langford however.

Projected Depth Chart
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	Malik Monk	Tyler Ulis	Conrad Elliott	Brook Rollins
SG	Romeo Langford	Bradley Toney
SF	Denzel Valentine	Jonathan Greene
PF	Lamond McMillan	Julius Randle	Sean Hickman	Alexey Ortner
C	Georgios Papagiannis	Leon Best

25

Milwaukee (Last season: 4-10) Head Coach: Luke Walton Can French youngster, Xavier Sirven, help the Bucks get back on track after a few disappointing seasons?

Projected Depth Chart
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	Andrew Harrison	Malcolm Brogdon
SG	Xavier Sirven	Evan Fournier	Louis Harrington
SF	Troy Brown Jr.
PF	Giannis Antetokounmpo	Sacha Killeya-Jones	Pascal Siakam	Shareef O'Neal
C	Stephen Zimmerman	Malik Jamison	E.J. Montgomery

26

Atlanta (Last season: 9-5) Head Coach: Erik Spoelstra The Hawks traded away their starter, Erik Wright, in exchange for the number 6 pick, Darion Evans, whom is expected to miss the entire season with injury. The good news is they still have Raymar Benjamin...

Projected Depth Chart
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	Dennis Schroder	Joseph Young	Tony Wroten
SG	Mikal Bridges	Austin Rivers	Kenny Jeter	Darion Evans
SF	O.G. Anunoby	Devin Robinson
PF	Milos Dabanovic	Wilson Thomas	Trey Lyles
C	Raymar Benjamin	Deyonta Davis

27

Orlando (Last season: 3-11) Head Coach: Dwane Casey After going 8-6 the year before, the Magic did a complete 180 and posted a disastrous, 3-11 record. Can they steer the ship back on course this year?

Projected Depth Chart
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	Jahlil Summers	Christopher Liggins	Tyler Johnson
SG	Dejounte Murray	Allonzo Trier	Charlie Slay	Victor Oladipo
SF	Miles Bridges	Monty Hickson
PF	Aaron Gordon	Jay Daniel
C	Bol Bol	Fred Brady

28

Phoenix (Last season: 7-7) Head Coach: Jeff Hornacek The Suns look poised for a lottery year, trading away their star point guard whilst also losing Jabari Parker and Dragan Bender to free agency. Now with Devin Booker forced to play the point, a once promising team now has more weaknesses than strengths.

Projected Depth Chart
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	Devin Booker	Ray Arthur	Sleepy Kulig
SG	Hughie Daniels	Alex Abrines	Stacey Williams
SF	Tre Johnson	Clifton Everett
PF	Mirko Radja	Clint Erickson	Frank Kaminsky
C	Mohamed Bamba	Khalil Carson	Clint Capela

29

New Orleans (Last season: 7-7) Head Coach: Alvin Gentry The Pelicans will have to start from square one again with Russell Westbrook leaving them. Is it time for them completely hit the reset button and also part ways with Anthony Davis?

Projected Depth Chart
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	Brandon Knight	Quincy Rush	Deshaun Hudson
SG	Buddy Hield	Ernesto D'Angelo
SF	Nicolas Batum	Tugay Ozat
PF	Anthony Davis	Wenyen Gabriel	Larry Nance Jr.
C	Malik Jackson	Damir Markovic	Denis Kolomak

30

Cleveland (Last season: 6-8) Head Coach: LeBron James Outside of Kyrie Irving, the Cavs don't really have much going for them. Maybe former #4 overall pick, J'Covan Kennedy, has something to say about it.

Projected Depth Chart
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	Kyrie Irving	Donovan Mitchell	Latavious Hawkins
SG	Major Banks	Paul Chapman
SF	J'Covan Kennedy	Rashad Vaughn	Marcelo Garcia
PF	Tyler Lydon	Montrezl Harrell	Draymond Green
C	Tristan Thompson	Brandon McCoy

[vtcha]

Simmons mesmerizes in debut

November 3, 2025 | by NBA News

---

In what was supposedly a one-sided showdown turned into a tough win as Phoenix stunned Dallas in the early quarter, leading 30-27.

However, during the second quarter, Suns guard, Devin Booker, exited the game with an injury, and from there on, it was the Ben Simmons show as Phoenix had no answer to stop him. Simmons went on to score a career-high, 41 points, to go with 10 assists, as he carried the Mavericks to a close 100-94 victory.

After the game, Simmons cited the ring ceremony prior to the game as added motivation for his burst-out. "Just watching the guys get their rings, it just reminded me why I'm here and what the end-goal is. I hope to be in the same position in a years' time."

However, while Simmons dazzled, its seemed the rest of the team was still hungover after raising the banner, with the remaining starters combining for just 30 points. Mavs coach, Rick Carlisle, also addressed the concern but expects a more-rounded performance in their next game. "I think at some points, everyone was just kind of standing still and watching Ben do his thing. Thankfully it worked tonight, but it's not something we're planning to do too often. I have the utmost confidence in those guys figuring it out. It's still new to us so we're somewhat anticipating these things to happen."

Box Score

Spoiler

[trekfan]

Re: The Association: Dallas Mavericks

Ben Simmons doing his best Russell Westbrook impression, flirting with that triple double. Not too worried about the rest of the team -- the percentages are actually pretty solid, they just didn't take enough shots. Simmons was hot and they let the guy have the night.

[vtcha]

Simmons mesmerizes in debut

November 15, 2025 | by NBA News

---

With Ben Simmons controlling the tempo for much of the game, everything seemed to be right for Dallas as they looked to be on their way to their second win of the season. However, it all came crashing down thanks to a fourth quarter obliteration by the Grizzlies, outscoring the Mavericks, 48-25.

Ironically, Ben Simmons went M.I.A down the stretch. He was held scoreless in the fourth, whilst committing an array of crucial turnovers with the game on the line. Despite dropping 23 points and 15 rebounds, he turned the ball 5 times and was very passive late in the fourth.

Mavs coach, Rick Carlisle, however, didn't seem too concerned about the collapse. "It's definitely a disappointing way to lose a game, but it's all part of the learning process for Ben. He's only been with us in such a short amount of time. It's a long season and we've got plenty of time to all get on the same page."

The game also marked the first encounter between former Philly teammates, Ben Simmons and Jahlil Okafor, with the latter ultimately having the last laugh. Okafor finished with 21 points and 7 rebounds, but it was Henry Ellenson that headlined the match with 18 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists.

Box Score

Spoiler

[vtcha]

Clippers' suffocating defense keeps them perfect as they power past the Mavericks, 112-104.

November 29, 2025 | by NBA News

---

Backed by a 38-30 performance in the second quarter, the Clippers kept their foot to the pedal, containing the Mavericks to just 4/22 shooting from the three-point line.

Despite Bernard Benjamin suffering an ankle injury late in the fourth quarter, the rest of the team were able to hold the lead, playing one of their best defensive displays this season. Benjamin exited the game with 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Collin Sexton racked up 15 points and 12 assists.

As for Dallas, turnovers continue to be an underlying trend in their last two games. They committed 16 in this one, and in return, allowed the Clippers to score 19 points off them. One of the more glaring issue is the fact that both John Wall and Ben Simmons are averaging a combined 11 turnovers a game.

They'll look to hopefully address those issues sooner rather than later as they've already fell to 1-2 to start the season. As for Simmons' former team, the 76ers are currently 3-0.

Box Score

Spoiler