In the ever-churning world of NBA takes, few voices are as loud and polarizing as Kendrick Perkins. The former NBA champion-turned-analyst has once again dropped a bombshell, this time about the Dallas Mavericks, and it’s a prediction that challenges the prevailing narrative about the team’s future. Following a controversial trade that sent beloved superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, the Mavericks’ fan base has been in a state of mourning and skepticism. Perkins, however, sees a different future, one where the Mavericks, fueled by a motivated Anthony Davis and a generational rookie talent in Cooper Flagg, become a force to be reckoned with.

Perkins’ bold claim, made on a recent podcast, centers on the Mavericks’ new-look frontcourt. “They arguably have the best front line in basketball,” he stated, referring to the combination of Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford, with a “sprinkle of P.J. Washington and Cooper Flagg.” This is a significant statement, as the Mavericks were widely criticized for the return they received in the Doncic trade. The trade was a high-risk, high-reward move that sent shockwaves through the league, and the immediate reaction from the Dallas fan base was overwhelmingly negative.

The skepticism is understandable. Luka Doncic was a fan favorite and a perennial MVP candidate who had carried the franchise on his back. Trading him for an aging, injury-prone Anthony Davis, even one with a championship pedigree, seemed like a step backward. The fact that their other superstar, Kyrie Irving, is sidelined with a torn ACL for a significant portion of the season only compounded the pessimism. The Mavericks, a team that was just in the NBA Finals a few seasons ago, were now being viewed as a team in transition, with a bleak short-term outlook.

But Perkins argues that people are “sleeping on” Anthony Davis. He believes that Davis, who has heard all the criticism and doubts surrounding the trade, is on a “mission” to prove himself. It’s a “revenge tour,” as Perkins calls it, a chance for Davis to re-establish himself as one of the league’s elite players. The narrative is a compelling one. Davis, who was a superstar with the New Orleans Pelicans before joining LeBron James and the Lakers, has often been seen as a secondary star, a player who thrives best when he is not the clear-cut first option. In Dallas, with Irving out, the onus is on him to be the man, to be the offensive and defensive anchor, and to lead the team. This is a role he hasn’t had since his New Orleans days, and Perkins believes he is more than capable of rising to the occasion.

Perkins also highlights the unique situation of Cooper Flagg. The number one overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Flagg is a consensus top prospect with a rare blend of high-IQ defense, a smooth scoring touch, and a competitive edge. Unlike most number one picks, Flagg is not being asked to be the savior of a struggling franchise. He is joining a team with established veterans and a win-now mindset. This is a rare situation for a top pick, and it could allow Flagg to thrive without the immense pressure of being the go-to guy from day one. He can learn from a superstar like Davis and develop his game at his own pace, which could unlock his full potential and allow him to make a significant impact on both ends of the floor.

The Mavericks’ roster, as Perkins points out, is now built around size and defensive versatility. With Davis, Flagg, Gafford, and Lively, they have a formidable frontcourt that can protect the rim, rebound, and switch onto smaller players on the perimeter. This could be a significant advantage in a Western Conference that is dominated by star-studded frontcourts. The addition of D’Angelo Russell to hold down the point guard position until Irving returns, along with the presence of shooters like Klay Thompson, provides a solid foundation for the offense.

Of course, Perkins’s optimistic take comes with a major caveat: Anthony Davis’s health. Davis’s career has been plagued by injuries, and his ability to stay on the court is the single biggest question mark surrounding the Mavericks’ future. If he can’t stay healthy, Perkins’s prophecy will fall flat, and the Mavericks will be left with a talented but incomplete roster. However, if he can remain on the court, and if Cooper Flagg lives up to the hype, the Mavericks could surprise everyone and become a legitimate contender in the Western Conference.

The Dallas Mavericks, once a team defined by the offensive brilliance of Luka Doncic, are now a team in transition, with a new identity and a new mission. Kendrick Perkins’s bold prediction is a testament to the potential of this new-look roster, and it’s a narrative that will be a major storyline throughout the upcoming season.