DALLAS — Dallas Mavericks coach Dusty May said Friday that he expects to coach Kyrie Irving only when he can add value, calling their relationship a partnership. May spoke at the team’s media day at American Airlines Center, the day before his first NBA training camp opens.
May coached Michigan to the 2026 national championship and a 37-3 record before Dallas hired him in June. Irving is a nine-time All-Star and an NBA champion entering his 16th season. He said Friday he has no restrictions after tearing the ACL in his left knee March 3, 2025.
May’s approach with a player of Irving’s résumé starts with being himself, he explained. He noted that Irving has seen and done as much as almost anyone in the league, and that Irving would see through anything empty.
“I think everyone wants to be a part of a team and pull their own weight,” May said. “And I think me being my authentic self is the best way to get buy-in from any player. And it’s a partnership. Kyrie has seen and done as much as just about anyone in the association. And so I would expect that I’m only going to coach him when I’m able to add value instead of just trying to just say things and do things, because I anticipate he’ll be able to see directly through that.”
“It’s just like any relationship,” May continued. “You build it organically, you help people get better, and you pour into them, and hopefully you have the right answers at the right time, and you’re able to put together the pieces of the puzzle.”
Cooper Flagg And Morez Johnson Jr. On Dusty May
Cooper Flagg described May as a student of the game who brought a college mindset to Dallas. Flagg also pointed out that May has adapted fast to the NBA.
“It’s been incredible,” Flagg said. “Obviously, Dusty has an incredible knowledge of the game and you can tell that he’s really a student and really studies the game. So it’s been really cool to kind of learn from his perspective and the way he sees the game and the way he’s able to bring kind of the college mindset. But he’s also adapted on the fly and really fast as well. And some of his beliefs and values with our game. So it’s been really cool to work with him. He has an incredible personality as well. So it’s been fun to be around him all the time, and I’m excited to see what he’s able to do with this.”
Morez Johnson Jr., the ninth overall pick, played for May at Michigan. Johnson called May easy to talk to off the court and honest all the time, with a switch he flips when it is time to coach.
“I think Dusty’s a unique coach,” Johnson said. “You have fun with him off the court, easy to talk to, you can trust him with anything. And then he knows how to flip a switch to get serious and coach you and put you in positions where you can be at your best. And he’s just a great guy. He’s honest all the time. I just appreciate guys that are honest.”
P.J. Washington On Dusty May’s Expectations
May has asked P.J. Washington to lead more with his voice and to come in with his best conditioning. Washington described May’s system as fast, big, and built on moving the ball.
“It’s been great for me, just be more of a leader, lead with my voice, make sure I’m in the best shape as possible,” Washington said. “And I think for us it’s just being able to play fast, play big, move the ball, get good shots, and not really trying to hold the ball too long. Obviously, get off of it and try to find a good shot for somebody and get in the paint and make something happen.”
Irving spent last season coaching from the bench. With the staff now in place, he said he is confident the group can do great things.
“But now as we sit here and we have our team set, we have our coaching staff set, really confident that we’re gonna be able to do great things,” Irving said. “And looking forward to continue to bring the best out of each other.”
Dallas plays the Houston Rockets at The Venetian Arena in Macao on Oct. 9 and Oct. 11. May coaches his first regular-season game Oct. 21 at Houston, with tip-off at 7:30 p.m. CT.
