While the Dallas Mavericks' season didn't go as fans had hoped, the emergence of Cooper Flagg offers a glimmer of hope for the future. But for those looking to stay invested in this year's playoffs, there's a compelling reason to tune in: a roster of former Mavericks players are making postseason runs with other teams. Here's a look at the ex-Dallas standouts you can root for this spring.
Luka Doncic – This should be an obvious choice for Dallas faithful. The former Mavericks superstar is currently dealing with a hamstring injury, but he could return at some point during the Los Angeles Lakers' playoff push. Before the Lakers' second-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Doncic remains on a "week-to-week" basis with his Grade 2 strain. Doncic was one of the league's elite during the regular season, averaging a dominant 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game.
Maxi Kleber – Kleber was sent to Los Angeles alongside Doncic last year. The forward, who spent eight seasons in Dallas, saw just seven minutes of action in a Game 4 first-round loss to the Houston Rockets. In the regular season, he appeared in 43 games for the Lakers, posting averages of 2.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.6 assists.
Harrison Barnes – A seasoned veteran chasing his second NBA championship, Barnes played for the Mavericks from 2016 to 2019 before being traded to the Sacramento Kings. He's spent the last two seasons with the San Antonio Spurs. During the regular season, Barnes contributed 9.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game.
Jalen Brunson – Mavericks fans might find it tough to root for Brunson given how his departure from Dallas unfolded. He spent his first four professional seasons with the Mavericks, quickly establishing himself as one of the league's top young guards. His game has only elevated since joining the New York Knicks. This season, Brunson averaged an impressive 26.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game.
Whether you're hoping for a comeback story or just love seeing familiar faces in new places, these former Mavericks are worth watching as the playoffs heat up.