Dirk Nowitzki Backed Mavericks President Masai Ujiri
The franchise legend publicly endorsed Masai Ujiri as the team works to return to championship contention.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Basketball
Live Poll
Do you trust your local team's current leadership to successfully rebuild the franchise?
Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki has expressed his public support for team president Masai Ujiri. This endorsement comes as the organization undergoes a significant restructuring effort aimed at returning the team to championship contention.
Why it matters
Nowitzki's backing serves as a vote of confidence for Ujiri, who is overseeing a massive organizational pivot following a series of high-profile roster changes and leadership shifts. The team aims to stabilize its path toward future titles after recent years of transition.
Rookie of the Year award winner Cooper Flagg averaged 21 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game. The 19-year-old forward is expected to anchor the team during his second season.
The players
Dirk Nowitzki
He is a legendary former Dallas Mavericks player who spent his entire 21-year career with the franchise.
Masai Ujiri
He currently serves as the president of the Dallas Mavericks and previously held high-level front office roles with other NBA organizations.
Cooper Flagg
He is a 19-year-old forward for the Mavericks who earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2026.
Dusty May
He was hired as the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks in May 2026.
Mike Schmitz
He currently serves as the general manager of the Dallas Mavericks.
The details
The Mavericks have aggressively overhauled their operation, hiring head coach Dusty May in May 2026 and appointing Mike Schmitz as general manager following the departure of Nico Harrison in November 2025. These moves followed a major February 2025 trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Timeline
February 2025: Mavericks traded Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers.
November 2025: Mavericks fired general manager Nico Harrison.
April 2026: Cooper Flagg won the Rookie of the Year award.
May 2026: Mavericks hired coach Dusty May.
September 19, 2026: Dirk Nowitzki expressed support for Masai Ujiri.
Season Trajectory
The organizational pivot follows the Mavericks 2025 trade of Luka Dončić. This transition period is meant to reposition the franchise as a competitive force in the league following the departure of its previous superstar.
The roster restructuring and coaching changes directly influence the team's rotation and offensive scheme for the upcoming season. Fans and fantasy players should monitor how the high-scoring production of Cooper Flagg aligns with new coach Dusty May's tactical approach.
The takeaway
The public alignment between a legendary franchise pillar and current leadership signals an attempt to build cohesion amid a total rebuild. Fans should watch for how quickly the new coaching and management tandem can develop the core of young talent around Cooper Flagg.
Further reading
For more on the current state of the team, visit the Basketball section.
Live Poll
Do you trust your local team's current leadership to successfully rebuild the franchise?
