Mavs Step Back Podcast

On this episode, Coach Drew and I recap Dallas Mavericks Media Day and give our biggest takeaways with training camp about to begin. From Cooper Flagg hype, to Dereck Lively’s growth, to Anthony Davis’ eye situation, and more… we cover it all in this one. Thanks for listening, and be sure to SUBSCRIBE! MERCH: mavsstepbackmerch.dashery.com SUBSTACK (FREE): mavsstepback.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAK4cmgGGqWm8vi6A1Ftsxg Twitter/X: https://x.com/MavsStepBack Twitter/X: https://x.com/dalton_trigg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mavsstepback?igsh=MTdsem5uems4dWowYg== Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As we get closer to the new-look Dallas Mavericks beginning their 2025-26 NBA season, there’s no better time to rehash all the moves that were made over the offseason. On Wednesday, 4-time Emmy-winning ESPN vet + “48 Minutes” Podcast co-host Bruce Bernstein joined us on a special episode of our Mavs Step Back Podcast to discuss what Mavs fans have to look forward to this coming season. Bernstein spent over 30 years at ESPN, including 15 years leading the network’s NBA studio programming. He brings deep behind-the-scenes insight, high-performance leadership stories, and sharp NBA analysis to every conversation. In this episode, we also discuss the Kawhi Leonard / Los Angeles Clippers scandal while also scouting some Mavs’ rivals. Thanks for listening, and be sure to subscribe for more Mavs content to come! MERCH: mavsstepbackmerch.dashery.com SUBSTACK (FREE): mavsstepback.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAK4cmgGGqWm8vi6A1Ftsxg Twitter/X: https://x.com/MavsStepBack Twitter/X: https://x.com/dalton_trigg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mavsstepback?igsh=MTdsem5uems4dWowYg== Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode, we discuss the Dallas Mavericks officially signing versatile forward PJ Washington to a long-term contract extension and what it means for the immediate and long-term future. Also, what in the world is going on with this alleged Kawhi Leonard and Los Angeles Clippers scandal? And why is Mark Cuban getting involved? Thanks for listening, and be sure to subscribe to MavsStepBack.com for access to all of our Mavs-related written content as well MERCH: mavsstepbackmerch.dashery.com SUBSTACK (FREE): mavsstepback.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAK4cmgGGqWm8vi6A1Ftsxg Twitter/X: https://x.com/MavsStepBack Twitter/X: https://x.com/dalton_trigg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mavsstepback?igsh=MTdsem5uems4dWowYg== Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Dallas Mavericks' 2025-26 schedule has been released, and we're giving our initial reactions and predictions for how we think this upcoming season will play out. Thanks for listening, and be sure to SUBSCRIBE if you haven't already!MERCH: mavsstepbackmerch.dashery.comSUBSTACK (FREE): mavsstepback.comYOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAK4cmgGGqWm8vi6A1FtsxgTwitter/X: https://x.com/MavsStepBackTwitter/X: https://x.com/dalton_triggInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mavsstepback?igsh=MTdsem5uems4dWowYg== Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Enjoy a cup of coffee with Mavs Step Back to start your week, as we review some of the Dallas Mavericks’ schedule leaks while looking forward to the full release later this week! Also, be sure to enter our Mavs Step Back giveaway, which is mentioned at the halfway point of this episode! MERCH: mavsstepbackmerch.dashery.com SUBSTACK (FREE): mavsstepback.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAK4cmgGGqWm8vi6A1Ftsxg Twitter/X: https://x.com/MavsStepBack Twitter/X: https://x.com/dalton_trigg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mavsstepback?igsh=MTdsem5uems4dWowYg== Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're in the dead part of the NBA offseason, but we still have a lot of fun things to look forward to with this upcoming Dallas Mavericks season. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy your morning with Mavs Step Back! Substack: https://www.mavsstepback.com Merch: https://mavsstepbackmerch.dashery.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAK4cmgGGqWm8vi6A1Ftsxg Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As of July 1, 2025, it appears the Dallas Mavericks could be mostly finished with their offseason plans after drafting Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft, re-signing Kyrie Irving to a new three-year contract, signing Daniel Gafford to a three-year extension, and signing D’Angelo Russell to a two-year, $12 million contract using the Taxpayer MLE. However… there’s some drama brewing in Hollywood, as LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers appear to be heading for a break-up… and the Mavs find themselves in the middle of trade/free agency rumors and speculation when it comes to where the league’s all-time leading scorer could play next. On the latest episode of our Mavs Step Back podcast, we break down Russell’s fit in Dallas and why he’s likely poised to surpass most fans’ expectations. We also touch on the LeBron drama, discussing the only trade/free agency scenarios we’d be ok with when it comes to the possibility of him joining the Mavs. Thanks for listening, and be sure to hit that subscribe button! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Dallas Mavericks officially drafted Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday night, effectively jumpstarting a new era of basketball in Dallas. If you missed our Mavs Step Back NBA Draft LIVE stream, no worries! You can now go back and watch it here. As the second-youngest No. 1 overall pick in NBA history (LeBron James was the youngest in 2003), Flagg is bringing a lot of hype with him to the Mavs, but it’s hype we believe he’ll be able to live up to. Flagg is a potential two-way star who should be able to hit the ground running alongside his new frontcourt teammates, Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, and P.J. Washington. Our friends Jay and Vinay over at Mavs Film Room joined us on this episode to break down the Mavs selecting Flagg, as well as some potential moves the Mavs could still make before the end of the offseason. Thanks for watching/listening, and be sure to subscribe! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We are less than one week away from the Dallas Mavericks officially drafting Cooper Flagg in the 2025 NBA Draft. On this episode, we break down what Flagg brings to Dallas, including a flattering comparison made by his soon-to-be head coach, Jason Kidd. From there, we discuss another Mavs trade scenario that would not only address the team's immediate need for guard help, but it would also help Dallas acquire an additional first-round pick in this year's draft. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Dallas Mavericks have several ways they could enhance their roster via trades this summer. Today, we propose some trade ideas in the first part of our multi-part series this month. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After defying their 1.8% odds in the lottery, the Dallas Mavericks plan on selecting Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft next month, according to multiple reports. What moves should the Mavs make after that, though? Could they trade back into what will be a stacked first round? What do they do with Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington, who are both on expiring contracts heading into next season? What point-guard options are available for Dallas until Kyrie Irving returns from his ACL injury sometime after New Year's? We discuss all these topics at length on today's episode! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Despite having just a 1.8% chance of winning the NBA Draft Lottery, the Dallas Mavericks ended up doing just that on Monday night. It was the first time the Mavs moved up in the lottery in franchise history, and it was tied for the second-largest jump in NBA Lottery history. Now, with the No. 1 pick in their possession, the question is: Will the Mavs draft 19-year-old Duke phenom Cooper Flagg, or will general manager Nico Harrison try to trade the pick for a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo? On the latest episode of the Mavs Step Back Podcast, we give our instant reactions to what went down on Monday night. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As the Dallas Mavericks prepare to take on the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night at FedExForum with the Western Conference playoffs’ 8-seed on the line, I (Dalton Trigg) recapped the inspiring performance we witnessed on Wednesday when Dallas kept its season alive by blowing out the Sacramento Kings on the road, 120-106. I’ve been on record saying that, although I’m generally an optimistic person by nature, I didn’t have a good feeling about these Play-In Tournament games for the Mavs. I truly believed the season was going to end on Wednesday. Shout out to them for proving me wrong and showing a ton of pride and grit. Can they do it one more time to punch their ticket to the NBA Playoffs? I’m still skeptical, but I will say… if the Mavs do end up playing the Oklahoma City Thunder in round one… the return of “obnoxiously irrational confident” Dalton will re-enter the chat. Thanks for watching/reading as always, and stay tuned! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After having a few days to digest what happened, Dalton and Drew recap their feelings while watching Luka Doncic's first return to American Airlines Center since the trade last Wednesday as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Dallas Mavericks. As the Mavs prepare for a tough Play-In Tournament game against the Sacramento Kings this Wednesday night, the guys are left pondering whether Doncic will ever consider returning to Dallas one day to once again play in front of the fan base that loves him so much. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As the Dallas Mavericks fight to lock up their spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament, they'll face Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center for the first time since the massive trade on Wednesday night. In addition to previewing that game, we talk about the Mavs planning to sign two-way guard Brandon Williams to a standard contract later this week and what that could mean for their postseason chances. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Dallas Mavericks are in a weird situation, as they flirt with making the NBA Play-In Tournament as well as falling into the NBA Lottery. Here's our latest thoughts on where the Mavs currently sit with 15 games remaining. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Dallas Mavericks, who had won five of their last six games heading into Sunday, fell back down to earth in a 126-102 loss to the Golden State Warriors. Things might not get any better anytime soon for the shorthanded Mavs, as their next game is against Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. Let's talk about the current state of the Mavs and the fan base. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

One week after the Dallas Mavericks shockingly traded away the face of the franchise, Luka Doncic, MFFL (Mavs Fans For Life) were still hurting. They gathered outside of American Airlines Center before Saturday’s game against the Houston Rockets to protest General Manager Nico Harrison’s decision to pull the plug on a 25-year-old generational superstar.Although it will take time for fans to fully heal from such a loss, newcomers Anthony Davis and Max Christie performing as they did in Dallas’ 116-105 win over the Houston Rockets will certainly help ease the pain for the time being. In his Mavs debut, Davis finished with a team-best 26 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks while shooting 10-of-18 overall and 2-of-2 from deep. He had to leave the game in the second half due to a “lower-body injury,” but Davis told the media after the game that it was just some tightness in his groin/quad area and nothing serious.Christie was the Mavs’ second-leading scorer with 23 points on 5-of-10 shooting overall, 4-of-5 from deep and 9-of-10 from the free-throw line. With 1:38 remaining in the game, Christie nailed a clutch 3-pointer off a pass from Kyrie Irving to give Dallas a 109-100 lead over Houston, which ended up being the nail in the coffin. On the night, the Mavs’ stout defense set a new franchise record with 18 blocks. On this episode of the Mavs Step Back podcast, I break down Davis and Christie’s performances while also offering some words of encouragement for MFFL, who might not be ready to accept this new chapter just yet.Mavs Step Back is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. https://mavericksstepback.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Call it the bargaining stage of grief if you must… but after taking this week to let the news of the Dallas Mavericks trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis sink in… We’ve come to the conclusion that the sky isn’t falling after all. That is, at least not for this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On Saturday night, around 11 p.m. central time, ESPN’s Shams Charania sent out a trade report on X that was so utterly shocking that everyone wondered if his phone had been hacked by someone trying to pull a prank. However, it was not a prank, as the Dallas Mavericks unexpectedly… and inexplicably… traded away 25-year-old franchise superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Absolute madness ensued in the sports world following such news.The full trade:Lakers receive: Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, Markieff MorrisMavs receive: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, 2029 first-round pickJazz receive: Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025 second-round pick (LA Clippers), 2025 second-round pick (Dallas)Our jaws are still dragging the floor. My guy Drew Johnson and I spent the better part of an hour on the latest Mavs Step Back podcast episode trying to make sense of what is likely the most shocking trade in NBA history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.