The Most Surprising Mavericks Lineup Ever — But Can They Deliver Rings?

The NBA world was already buzzing about the Dallas Mavericks’ surprising projected lineup, but recent events have turned that discussion on its head. With Luka Dončić traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Mavericks are entering a completely new era. Losing their superstar and franchise cornerstone is a seismic shift for Dallas, yet the team has surprisingly managed to assemble a starting five that still has intrigue, talent, and the potential to compete. The question now is: can this collection of players contend for an NBA championship without Dončić orchestrating the offense?

Breaking Down the Lineup

Point Guard: Kyrie Irving (Injured) / D’Angelo Russell
The point guard role has become pivotal in a Dončić-less Mavericks system. Kyrie Irving, when healthy, is a premier scorer and playmaker who can take over games with his elite handles and clutch finishing. However, his current injury opens the door for D’Angelo Russell to run the offense.

Russell brings strong shooting and passing capabilities, making him a capable floor general who can keep the offense moving efficiently. He may not command the star power Dončić had, but his ability to stretch the floor and create for teammates is vital. With Russell in control, Dallas will need to run a system that maximizes ball movement and spacing, especially given the attention that Klay Thompson and Anthony Davis will draw from opponents’ defenses.

Shooting Guard: Klay Thompson
One of the most shocking additions to this lineup is Klay Thompson. The Golden State Warriors legend brings an unmatched combination of shooting, spacing, and championship experience. Thompson is a three-time NBA champion and a four-time All-Star, and his ability to heat up instantly changes the complexion of any game.

Pairing Thompson with Dallas’ remaining talent creates a backcourt capable of punishing defenses with catch-and-shoot opportunities. With Dončić gone, Thompson’s role will likely expand, giving him more touches in isolation and pick-and-roll scenarios. He’s not just a shooter—his defensive skills and veteran leadership will help stabilize the team, particularly in high-pressure playoff situations.

Small Forward: Cooper Flagg
The small forward position is occupied by Cooper Flagg, one of the league’s brightest young talents. Flagg brings length, athleticism, and defensive versatility, which could become invaluable for the Mavericks in 2025–26. His ability to guard multiple positions, switch seamlessly, and contribute in transition makes him a key component of Dallas’ new identity.

Offensively, Flagg has the potential to step up into a more significant role, especially without Dončić drawing the bulk of defensive attention. If Flagg can improve his decision-making and maintain consistency, he could be a breakout star for the Mavericks. His youth and energy bring a dynamic element to the team, balancing the veteran presence of Thompson and Davis.

Power Forward: Anthony Davis
At power forward, Anthony Davis offers both offensive firepower and defensive security. Davis is one of the league’s most complete big men, capable of scoring inside, hitting mid-range jumpers, protecting the rim, and rebounding at an elite level. His presence is crucial for offsetting the offensive and playmaking gap left by Dončić’s departure.

Defensively, Davis anchors the paint, allowing Thompson and Flagg to roam the perimeter more freely. His championship experience with the Lakers also provides valuable leadership to a Mavericks team undergoing a major transition. Davis’ ability to adapt to different lineups will be key as Dallas experiments with spacing and rotations throughout the season.

Center: Daniel Gafford
Rounding out the starting five is Daniel Gafford, an athletic rim-running center who brings energy, shot-blocking, and finishing ability. While Gafford may not command the same attention as Davis, his role is vital in ensuring that the Mavericks’ frontcourt remains competitive.

Gafford’s ability to protect the rim and finish lobs allows Davis to extend his influence, while also giving the Mavericks a reliable defensive anchor in small-ball lineups. His athleticism and presence will be particularly valuable against teams with dominant big men, helping to maintain balance on both ends of the floor.

Offensive Potential

Even without Dončić, this lineup retains significant offensive upside. Thompson will handle much of the perimeter scoring, while Davis and Gafford control the paint. Russell’s facilitation ensures ball movement and the creation of open shots. Flagg’s versatility provides additional driving lanes and cutting options.

The Mavericks can still execute effective pick-and-roll combinations, off-ball actions, and spacing strategies. Thompson’s shooting forces defenders to rotate, opening gaps for Davis and Gafford to exploit. Flagg’s transition scoring adds another layer, keeping opposing defenses on their heels.

However, the team will need to work harder collectively to compensate for Dončić’s absent court vision and clutch scoring ability. Success on offense depends heavily on timing, spacing, and contributions from secondary scorers.

Defensive Considerations

Defense may be the biggest challenge for the Mavericks in this Dončić-less era. While Davis and Gafford provide elite rim protection, the perimeter defense is a potential weakness. Thompson is a solid defender, but Russell and Flagg may struggle against elite wings and guards.

To compensate, the Mavericks will likely employ switch-heavy schemes and aggressive help rotations. Their defensive efficiency will be critical in the playoffs, especially against Western Conference heavyweights like the Lakers, Warriors, or Nuggets. If perimeter mismatches are exploited, Dallas could face significant hurdles in deep playoff runs.

Chemistry and Fit

Chemistry will be the determining factor for this lineup. With Dončić gone, the Mavericks must redefine roles and offensive responsibilities. Thompson must integrate seamlessly, Flagg must step up as a playmaker and defensive anchor, and Davis must carry a larger leadership role on both ends.

If they succeed in building cohesion, the lineup offers versatility, spacing, and playoff-tested experience. Without proper chemistry, however, the team could struggle to find consistency, especially in clutch situations. The Mavericks’ ability to adjust quickly will be key to their success.

Can They Deliver a Ring?

The potential exists, but winning a championship without Dončić is a massive challenge. Thompson, Davis, and Russell provide star power, but the team lacks the elite creation and clutch scoring Dončić consistently supplied. Flagg and Gafford will need to perform above expectations to fill the gaps, and coaching adjustments will be essential.

Matchups against elite teams with strong perimeter defense could expose Dallas’ vulnerabilities. While this lineup has talent and upside, translating it into NBA championship success requires consistency, health, and adaptability.

Conclusion

The Dallas Mavericks’ most surprising lineup ever may now be defined not by Luka Dončić, but by how well the team adapts without him. Kyrie or Russell at point guard, Klay Thompson stretching the floor, Cooper Flagg adding youth and versatility, Anthony Davis anchoring the defense, and Daniel Gafford finishing at the rim is still a fascinating mix of talent.

While the odds of immediate championship glory have shifted without Dončić, this lineup could still make waves in the Western Conference if players step up and chemistry develops quickly. The Mavericks face a new chapter, one filled with uncertainty but also opportunity — and the NBA world will be watching closely to see how this Dončić-less team evolves.