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The Western Conference looks as crowded as ever heading into the 2026-27 season. Several contenders have either kept battle-tested cores together or added important pieces around their stars.
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That is why the Dallas Mavericks have quietly slipped under the radar. They are not being discussed like the Spurs, Thunder, Lakers or Rockets, but Derek Harper believes Kyrie Irving’s return could put Dallas right back in the mix.
Mavs legend has made it clear that nobody should dare sleep on Dallas, as they have the potential to surprise everyone by being the dark horses simply because nine-time All-Star Kyrie Irving is all set to return.
“They’re gonna surprise everybody in the NBA this year, led by that freak of nature, Kyrie Irving. He is so much fun to watch. He is so dynamic when it comes to doing things differently,” Harper said. “Just a very creative mind in general and knows how to lead.”
Kyrie’s return can be huge for the Mavs
Recovering from an ACL injury is never easy. But Kai has made it clear that he was not going to rush back onto the court, even as the Mavericks struggled in the 2025-26 season, missing the postseason altogether.
So, when Irving returns for the 2026-27 season, his presence could immediately address several of Dallas’ biggest needs. Not only will he allow Flagg to play in his preferred forward position by becoming the team’s primary ball handler, but his ability to manipulate defenders and involve big men in pick-and-lob plays will maximize the presence of players like Santi Aldama, Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II.
Moreover, even wing shooters like PJ Washington and Max Christie should benefit from the open looks Irving routinely creates for his teammates.
So, if Irving can stay healthy and average close to 20.0 points per game, his impact could completely change Dallas’ offensive ceiling. More importantly, Flagg will no longer be required to carry out the responsibilities of closing out games for the team, as Irving has made his own name by taking over in clutch time over the years.
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The Mavs can be the dark horses
Of course, there have been other teams in the West that have made solid moves, such as the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have added LaMelo Ball next to Anthony Edwards.
The Houston Rockets will have Fred VanVleet returning, with Marcus Smart improving their two-way prowess. Then, there is the L.A. Lakers, who have finally got a traditional big man like Walker Kessler to maximize Luka Doncic’s potential.
These moves may enable these teams to challenge the superiority of the San Antonio Spurs and the OKC Thunder.
However, the Mavs have quietly made an intriguing addition of their own.
They have added former No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher. Now in a new environment, Risacher should have a chance to develop next to Irving and Flagg without being asked to do too much too soon.
Irving’s presence should make that transition easier. His playmaking can help Risacher find cleaner looks, settle into the Mavericks’ system and grow more comfortable playing to his strengths.
If Risacher takes advantage of that role, he could become another useful piece in Dallas’ rotation. And if Irving returns close to his old level, Harper’s belief that the Mavericks can surprise the West may not sound far-fetched at all.
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This story was originally published August 18, 2026 at 12:10 AM.