Dusty May is only beginning his NBA coaching career, but he already knows one player he is especially eager to work with. The new Dallas Mavericks head coach recently shared his excitement about coaching Kyrie Irving after watching the veteran guard participate in an offseason workout before the start of the 2026-27 campaign.
May officially joins Dallas after establishing himself as one of college basketball’s most successful coaches. His transition to the NBA follows an impressive run that included leading Florida Atlantic to a historic Final Four appearance before guiding Michigan to the 2026 national championship.
Now tasked with leading a Mavericks team entering a new chapter, May inherits a talented roster featuring Irving, No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, and veteran sharpshooter Klay Thompson. Expectations are high as the organization looks to rebound from a disappointing season and return to playoff contention.
Speaking during an ESPN interview at the NBA Summer League, May offered glowing praise for Irving after observing one of the star guard’s workouts. His comments reflected both admiration for Irving’s unique skill set and optimism about building a successful partnership during his first year in Dallas.
1. Irving Leaves a Lasting Impression
Watching elite NBA players train can often reveal details that are difficult to appreciate during games, and May admitted he was captivated by Irving’s remarkable offensive ability during a recent workout.
Describing the experience, the first-year NBA coach compared Irving’s artistry on the basketball court to watching a master painter create a masterpiece. The comparison emphasized just how impressed May was by the veteran’s creativity, precision, and overall command of the game.
Irving has long been regarded as one of the NBA’s most gifted ball handlers and shot creators. His combination of footwork, finishing ability, and scoring versatility has made him one of the league’s most entertaining offensive players throughout his career.
For May, witnessing those skills firsthand only reinforced his excitement about coaching one of basketball’s most accomplished guards. As he prepares for his first NBA season, having a player with Irving’s experience and talent provides an invaluable foundation for the Mavericks.
2. Healthy Star Ready to Return
Irving enters the upcoming season with renewed optimism after recovering from the torn ACL that ended his 2024-25 campaign and sidelined him throughout the entire 2025-26 season.
Before suffering the injury in February 2025, Irving remained one of the league’s most productive guards. Across 50 appearances, he averaged 24.7 points and 4.8 rebounds while maintaining impressive shooting efficiency from every area of the floor.
He connected on 47.3 percent of his field-goal attempts, shot 40.1 percent from three-point range, and converted an outstanding 91.6 percent of his free throws. Those numbers highlighted the offensive consistency Dallas hopes will return once he is fully back in the lineup.
A healthy Irving could significantly change the Mavericks’ outlook. His leadership and scoring ability will be particularly important as the franchise blends experienced veterans with a new generation of young talent led by Cooper Flagg.
3. A New Chapter for Dallas
May arrives in Dallas after compiling an outstanding coaching résumé at the collegiate level. He posted a 126-69 record during six seasons at Florida Atlantic before going 64-13 in two years at Michigan, where he capped his tenure with a national championship.
Those accomplishments convinced the Mavericks that May was the right person to guide the organization into its next era. His emphasis on player development and team culture is expected to play a major role as Dallas reshapes its roster.
The franchise is looking to recover after finishing the previous season with a 26-56 record, a disappointing campaign that ultimately led to the dismissal of former head coach Jason Kidd. Although Kidd led Dallas to playoff appearances in 2022 and 2024, the organization decided a new direction was needed.
With Flagg expected to become the face of the franchise and Irving returning to full health, Dallas believes it has the foundation to begin another climb toward contention. The Mavericks will continue building through the draft, free agency, and player development as May begins the challenge of translating his college success to the NBA.