But this is the Mavericks, who have made nothing but odd decisions since the start of 2025, highlighted, of course, by the still-baffling move to trade franchise superstar Luka Dončić because, as Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison has put it on a number of occasions, "defense wins championships."

On paper, the Knicks appear closer to championship contention. But Dallas has something New York doesn’t: Cooper Flagg. While the Knicks won’t make a selection until the late second round, the Mavericks are adding a player who hasn’t drawn this much hype since Zion Williamson.

Hall of Fame coach Don Nelson arrived for the Sunday news conference announcing him as the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award winner wearing a pair of Luka Doncic's signature Jordan Brand sneaker.