ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith is all-in on the Dallas Mavericks’ new era, and he’s not shy about saying it.
Smith made a bold prediction about the Mavericks’ chances heading into their first full season without Luka Doncic.
The outspoken analyst believes that Dallas, now led by Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, and rookie standout Cooper Flagg, has all the pieces to win it all.
“If Kyrie Irving comes back healthy and Anthony Davis is healthy, I think Dallas should be the favorite to win it all,” Smith said on 7PM in Brooklyn podcast.
“I believe that the Dallas Mavericks, if healthy, will win the ‘chip.”
It’s a massive endorsement from one of the most prominent voices in basketball media, especially considering the questions surrounding Irving’s health. The 33-year-old guard is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered in March, and there’s no confirmed timeline for his return. Still, Smith isn’t backing down from his prediction.
“Oklahoma [City] is the reigning, defending champion,” Smith explained. “They pretty much had their way with most teams this year before the Finals before it was pushed to seven games. But not Dallas. The year before, they took Oklahoma City out. Kyrie and those boys is that kryptonite.”
Smith went on to praise Dallas’ revamped roster, which now boasts a blend of star power and depth across multiple positions.
“Cooper Flagg can play. He’s just a rookie, but he can play,” Smith said. “Not only that, you’ve got Anthony Davis, who doesn’t have to play the five, I got news for you, [Dereck] Lively, [Daniel] Gafford and these brothers can play. Then you’ve got P.J. Washington, who can play. Jason Kidd can coach.”
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