DALLAS, TEXAS — The Dallas Mavericks officially introduced new head coach Dusty May on Monday, signaling the start of a new chapter centered on player development, collaboration and the pursuit of another NBA championship.
Team president Masai Ujiri welcomed May and his family while emphasizing the organization’s renewed focus.
“We want to bring winning back to this organization,” Ujiri said. “We want to bring joy back to basketball here.”
May, who arrives after leading Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball to a national championship, said the opportunity in Dallas was too compelling to pass up.
“This job checked every box,” May said. “It started with the people in the building. When you’re aligned with ownership and management and believe in the vision, it makes the decision much easier.”
The first-time NBA head coach said conversations with ownership, Ujiri and the front office convinced him the Mavericks have the foundation necessary to compete immediately.
May praised the team’s mix of veteran leadership and emerging young talent, saying the roster features players who are “easy to root for” because of both their character and competitiveness.
Among the players May discussed was No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, whose relentless approach impressed him long before joining the Mavericks.
May recalled watching Flagg during pre-draft workouts and seeing him compete with playoff-like intensity during every possession. He believes that mindset helped elevate everyone around him and will translate well to the NBA.
“He only knows one way,” May said of Flagg.
May also confirmed he has already spoken with veteran guard Kyrie Irving and intends to lean on the future Hall of Famer’s experience.
“Kyrie knows what it takes to win a championship,” May said. “I’m going to learn from him as much as he learns from us.”
Asked how quickly Dallas can become a playoff contender, May didn’t hesitate.
“I think sooner rather than later,” he said, while stressing that success will require health, unselfishness and a commitment to playing together.
Rather than bringing a rigid system, May said his philosophy will revolve around maximizing the strengths of the roster. He expects the Mavericks to be adaptable, capable of playing different styles and using versatile lineups depending on the opponent.
“The ability to adapt is what translates,” May said. “We’re going to study our players and build the best system for this group.”
May also addressed his transition from college basketball, noting that changes in the college game have made the move to the NBA more natural than in previous decades. While acknowledging the challenges, he believes the modern landscape has prepared him for coaching at the professional level.
He added that his focus now shifts to assembling his coaching staff, evaluating the roster and preparing for Summer League before turning attention to training camp.
For Ujiri, the mission remains straightforward.
“Our mentality is winning,” he said. “We’re building toward a championship.”
