The Dallas Mavericks have named Dusty May as their new head coach, a decision announced on the eve of the NBA Draft. Mavericks president Masai Ujiri emphasized that the timing was coincidental and that the priority was selecting the right candidate after a thorough monthlong search.
“Just getting the right coach,” Ujiri said during a media availability at the team’s training facility in Dallas. “It didn’t matter, honestly, if it was before or after the draft. What mattered was making sure we got the best candidate that fits our vision.”
At the time of the announcement, May was attending the NBA Draft at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, supporting three former Michigan players—Aday Mara, Yaxel Lendeborg, and Morez Johnson Jr.—who were awaiting their selection. May had committed to being with these players, who contributed to Michigan’s national championship run earlier this year, before accepting the Mavericks’ offer.
Ujiri praised May’s distinctive coaching style, highlighting his communication skills and accountability. “He’s already doing it with us—the way he’s communicated with players,” Ujiri said. “He’s authentic and honest, a true coach, which will be a major asset. He communicates well, and his messages are clear. He’s a ball coach who holds players accountable and works to improve them.”
Describing May as one of basketball’s “most fascinating coaches,” Ujiri noted the coach’s global approach to learning the game and his focus on pace, size, speed, and toughness—elements Ujiri believes translate effectively from college to the NBA. Despite May’s lack of NBA head coaching experience, the Mavericks plan to surround him with assistant coaches who possess significant professional experience to support the team’s development.
Morez Johnson Jr., speaking from draft headquarters, underscored May’s intended emphasis on defense. “Coach May is going to focus on defense and bringing defense to the Mavs,” Johnson said.
May takes over a Mavericks team looking to build around a talented core and transition under new leadership. The organization’s leadership hopes that May’s innovative and globally informed approach will resonate in the NBA setting and help the team advance its competitive goals in the upcoming season.