TITLE: Rookie Expectations in Dallas, Lineup Questions in Detroit, and Draft Dilemma in Phoenix
SLUG: rookie-expectations-dallas-lineup-questions-detroit-draft-dilemma-phoenix
CONTENT:
The upcoming NBA season is set to test three franchises in markedly different ways, with Dallas counting on an 18-year-old top pick, Detroit searching for on-court cohesion among its young core, and Phoenix trying to stay competitive despite a depleted draft cupboard.
Mavericks lean on 18-year-old Cooper Flagg
Dallas will open the year asking No. 1 overall selection Cooper Flagg, who turns 18 on opening night, to contribute immediately alongside a largely veteran roster. According to ESPN’s Zach Kram, the Mavericks’ “competitive window” hinges primarily on a healthy return from left ACL surgery for Kyrie Irving, now 33, and continued productivity from 32-year-old Anthony Davis. Flagg’s rapid development is considered only slightly less critical.
Historical precedent underscores the challenge. Stathead data cited by Kram lists only five teenagers who have started regularly on the perimeter for playoff teams: Jayson Tatum, Luol Deng, Carmelo Anthony, Tony Parker, and Stephon Marbury. Tatum is the lone player to accomplish the feat in the past 20 years.
Pistons still seeking chemistry
After vaulting from a league-worst 14 wins to 44 last season before a first-round exit, the Detroit Pistons have yet to see their quartet of young building blocks share meaningful minutes. Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson, and Jalen Duren appeared together in only two games for a total of five minutes because of injuries and rotation changes. All four are 23 or younger.
No. 5 overall pick Ron Holland never played alongside that group as a rookie, leaving new head coach J.B. Bickerstaff with plenty to evaluate. Veteran turnover continues as Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Dennis Schroder depart while Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson arrive for the 2025-26 campaign.
Suns short on picks, long on urgency
The Phoenix Suns move forward with Devin Booker as their lone remaining star after parting ways with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Despite modest expectations—the club is considered an underdog to finish inside the Western Conference’s top 10—tanking is not a realistic option. Phoenix does not control its own first-round pick until 2032, the result of multiple trades that included surrendering this summer’s No. 10 choice to Houston before reacquiring it in the Durant deal.
With six more years of draft obligations already committed, Phoenix faces pressure to compete now, even while its roster depth and future assets remain limited.
Source: Hoops Wire
