Dusty May Identifies Key Areas Mavericks Must Improve After Offensive Struggles Last Season

The Dallas Mavericks entered the 2026-27 NBA season looking to bounce back from a very disappointing campaign. Head coach Dusty May has identified several offensive areas that need improvement after finishing near the bottom of the league in several offensive categories last season. Making sure they get better shots and find easier scoring opportunities will be very important for the team’s offensive success.

Ahead of the Mavericks’ preseason matchup against the Houston Rockets at the NBA China Games 2026 in Macao, I had the opportunity to ask May, while representing Fadeaway World, what offensive habit he wants his team to establish after last season’s struggles.

“Well, our shot diet, our shot profile has to improve from the team last year. We have to generate better, more efficient looks. And then we’ve got to figure out ways to get easier baskets. That’s transition, on the offensive glass. We’ve just got to figure out ways to score outside of your regular offense and outside of isolation plays.”

In his comments, May addressed one of the Mavericks’ biggest weaknesses heading into the new season.

Dallas ranked 27th in offensive rating during the 2025-26 campaign, highlighting the struggles to consistently generate scoring opportunities.

The numbers were concerning across several categories. The Mavericks finished 23rd in points per game, 26th in three-point percentage, and 22nd in assists per game. They also ranked 24th in points off turnovers and second-chance points, demonstrating how frequently they failed to capitalize on additional scoring chances.

But there were some encouraging signs. The Mavericks finished fifth in fast-break points and seventh in points in the paint, indicating the team has the athleticism and interior presence necessary to create an efficient offense.

May’s challenge will be turning those strengths into a more consistent offensive identity.

His emphasis on improving shot selection is very important. Rather than relying on highly difficult isolation attempts, the Mavericks need to generate more open three-pointers, attack the paint, and create baskets through ball movement.

Of course, injuries played a big role in last season’s struggles. The Mavericks dealt with significant absences involving P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, and Derrick Lively II, making it difficult to establish continuity. But more importantly, Kyrie Irving missed the entire season, which left the Mavericks without one of the league’s most accomplished offensive players.

Irving should be a positive addition. Irving’s ability to create shots, break down defenders, and facilitate offense gives the Mavericks an experienced leader who is capable of improving their offensive execution.

The Mavericks also have Cooper Flagg, who will continue to develop as the franchise centerpiece, and several young players who are looking to establish themselves.

The Mavericks’ potential on the defensive end is another reason for optimism. With a combination of length, size, and athleticism, they have the personnel to become a very difficult team to score against. That defensive versatility could create more transition chances, an area where the Mavericks already performed well last season.

If May can combine a strong defensive identity with more efficient offensive possessions, the Mavericks could become a dangerous opponent in the Western Conference.

The Mavericks don’t necessarily need to become the league’s highest-scoring team for them to compete for a playoff spot, but they cannot afford another season near the bottom of the offensive rankings.

May has made his priorities clear: better shot selection, improved efficiency, more second-chance opportunities, and easier buckets outside traditional half-court shots.

With Irving returning and a healthier roster surrounding Flagg, the Mavericks have a chance to make good progress. Whether the Mavericks can translate those improvements into wins is one of the biggest questions surrounding Dusty May’s team this season.