Masai Ujiri Bringing Stability to Mavs Remains His Top Priority

However, he did frame Flagg as the deciding factor in his decision to come to Dallas. The former president of the Toronto Raptors said he would “bring calm” to the Mavericks.

Hoping to bring “calm,” Ujiri led with that word. He pointed directly to the turbulence of the last year, before discussing the on-court goals he wants to help Dallas achieve.

Ujiri also acknowledged the grief some Mavericks fans may still be dealing with from the trade of All-Star Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers. Uriji spoke calmly, but confidently, about how he aims to deal with the transition.

But how does Uriji bring calm to Dallas?

First of all, Ujiri did a good job of recognizing what the franchise has been through recently. Going forward, the long-time executive can certainly use his vast experience to bring transparency and deliver.

Uriji Brings Much-Needed Experience****to Mavs

Uriji’s time in the NBA began over two decades ago. In 2002, he started as an unpaid scout for the Orlando Magic in 2002. From there, the rest is history.

After joining Denver a year later as an official scout, he stayed there for several seasons. Ujiri then served as Toronto’s assistant general manager before becoming the Nuggets’ general manager in 2010.

With that appointment, Uriji became the first African GM for a major American sports franchise. In 2013, he was named NBA Executive of the Year.

Uriji eventually returned to Toronto for over a decade as executive vice president and general manager.

During his time there, Uriji guided Toronto to the promised land. He finalized a blockbuster trade to acquire superstar Kawhi Leonard. That move helped lead the Raptors to their first NBA championship.

Combined, that’s a lot of experience across multiple franchises and in various roles. That will be quite an asset for Uriji, who is looking to turn another team’s fortunes around.

The Current State of the Dallas Mavericks

When you look at the Mavs, Flagg remains the franchise’s foundation going forward.

Uriji called the 19-year-old and reigning Rookie of the Year a young prince. He wants to make him a king.

That can be done. But there is a lot of work to do to get him there, not in terms of his talent, but in constructing the roster that complements him.

Dallas will pick ninth in the 2026 NBA Draft. It should be able to select from a deep and exciting class of players. Having recently appointed Mike Schmitz as his general manager, Uriji is already shaping the franchise in a positive way.

Schmitz brings a reputation for being a top NBA talent evaluator. He will have a keen eye on the upcoming draft and help Uriji make an informed selection to best position the franchise for years to come.

It’s a critical draft pick Dallas must make. The Mavs do not directly control their own first-round pick again until 2031.

Finding a solid number-two playmaker next to nine-time All-Star Kyrie Irving is a must. It would take the pressure off Flagg.

There is a lot that can be done with this roster, whether that includes making trades, signing free agents, or drafting the right prospect. Uriji will have a lot to consider.

What’s Next for Dallas Under Uriji’s Stewardship?

Under Uriji, it is pretty accurate to say the Dallas Mavericks will pivot from the chaotic management the fanbase recently endured to long-term team building, with Flagg being the spearhead of that rebuild.

Uriji made it clear that every move he makes will revolve around the former Duke college player. That means prioritising player development, rebuilding culture, and creating a roster that complements Flagg’s two-way versatility.

It looks like Dallas is set for a full transitional period under Uriji, while still trying to produce a winning product on the floor.

Going forward, the future of Dallas is still unknown. But it certainly isn’t unknown to Uriji, who is one of the best people to be at the forefront of a time like this for the franchise.

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