“The Dallas Mavericks will win”- Stephen A. Smith proclaims as long as Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving hold firm

The Dallas Mavericks shocked the NBA world last season by trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis . The move drew heavy criticism and split opinions among fans. Then, injuries struck hard, leaving the Mavericks outside the playoffs. Now, with a fresh season about to begin, ESPN ’s Stephen A. Smith has made a bold claim about Dallas, and his words have already started a new debate across the league.

Stephen A. Smith says Dallas Mavericks’ title hopes rest on Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving On Friday, August 22, Stephen A. Smith gave his take on ESPN’s First Take. He spoke about the future of the Dallas Mavericks and their new lineup. He said very clearly that the team’s championship hopes depend on two players - Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving.

"If Anthony Davis, if Kyrie Irving is healthy and [AD] brings his A game, the Dallas Mavericks will win the NBA championship. That's a big if."

- Stephen A. Smith 👀

(via @FirstTake)pic.twitter.com/7NRQ3RqIfU https://t.co/YkahXjGueR

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 22, 2025

“If Anthony Davis, if Kyrie Irving is healthy and [Anthony Davis] brings his A game, the Dallas Mavericks will win the NBA championship . That’s a big if. It’s legit and everybody knows it,” Smith said on the show.

The Mavericks struggled after Davis joined in October 2024. In his very first game for Dallas, Davis injured his left adductor. He missed 18 games in a row. Irving’s bad luck came later in the season. On March 3, he tore his ACL and was ruled out. Without their two stars, Dallas missed the playoffs.

Fans were disappointed, but Smith reminded everyone that the story is not over. Davis is expected to be ready for training camp in October 2025, while Irving continues to rehab his knee. If both are fit, Smith believes Dallas could become one of the most dangerous teams in the league.

Stephen A. Smith puts Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving in his top 5 stars for 2025-26 seasonStephen A. Smith shared his list of the top five players to watch this season on First Take on August 22 as well. Right on that list, he placed Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, Kevin Durant, and Jimmy Butler.

The top 5 NBA players to watch this season, according to Stephen A. Smith 👀

1. Anthony Davis
2. Luka Doncic
3. Kevin Durant
4. Jimmy Butler
5. Kyrie Irving

Thoughts? 🤔

(via @FirstTake) pic.twitter.com/9vkegGydlN

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 22, 2025

Leading into the 2025–26 NBA season, every one of these names has a main plotline. With his improved level of fitness, Doncic has amazed supporters and now leads Slovenia in the 2025 EuroBasket. Joining the Houston Rockets this summer surprised the league with Durant. Butler was seen working out in Miami and even played some tennis to keep in shape. Concentrating on his rehabilitation, Irving is trying to get ready by the beginning of the season.

Smith summed up his opinion by stressing availability. “It’s all about availability. If Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving are on the court together, nobody wants to face the Mavericks,” he said.

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The Mavericks begin their preseason in early October 2025. All eyes will be on Davis and Irving to see if they can finally deliver what Dallas traded for a championship run.