While the Dallas Mavericks’ star players often dominate headlines, the contributions of underrated players can be pivotal in shaping the team’s success. This season, Max Christie, Daniel Gafford, and Ryan Nembhard are positioned to make significant impacts, offering skills and versatility that could quietly redefine Dallas’ trajectory.
3 Underrated Mavericks Who Could Change the 2025–26 Season
Max Christie: The 3-and-D Wing Dallas Needs
Max Christie has consistently shown he can contribute on both ends of the floor. Last season, he averaged 9.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists, demonstrating flashes of three-and-D potential. This season, Christie has maintained strong production with 9.0 points and 1.5 assists, while shooting 54.5 percent from the field and 60 percent beyond the arc. His ability to defend multiple positions and knock down perimeter shots gives Dallas tactical flexibility. Christie’s presence creates spacing for Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, allowing the offense to flow with more rhythm. If he remains consistent, Christie could easily become a key X-factor for the Mavericks.
Max Christie on his focus on conditioning and on-ball play during the offseason:
“For me, I just took it very seriously…I wanted, this summer, to kind of take a leap with my on-ball stuff and playmaking and creating…Being in shape is important for anybody, especially me where… pic.twitter.com/at7HnMGNVa
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) October 7, 2025
Daniel Gafford: The Rim Protector Waiting in the Wings
Daniel Gafford has yet to play this season as he continues to recover from a right ankle injury, but his potential impact remains significant. Gafford gives the Mavericks rim protection, rebounding, and finishing abilities that could alter both ends of the floor once he returns. Last season, he was an efficient scorer around the basket and a reliable shot-altering presence in the paint. His return will not only bolster Dallas’ defense but also open space for the team’s stars to operate more freely. Even in his absence, his eventual integration into the lineup could provide the Mavericks with a late-season boost and a stronger playoff ceiling.
Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II are tied for the 6th highest block rating (91) on NBA 2K26
(via @NBA2K) pic.twitter.com/jty9Z8RCbe
— MFFL NATION (@NationMffl) August 13, 2025
Ryan Nembhard: The Playmaking Spark
Ryan Nembhard has quietly emerged as a stabilizing presence in Dallas’ backcourt. The rookie averages 5.0 points, 0.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists while shooting 44.4 percent from the field. His basketball IQ allows him to facilitate offense and manage the pace when Irving or Davis rests. Nembhard’s decision-making, passing vision, and calm demeanor help the second unit maintain structure and create open looks. While his contributions may not always grab headlines, his impact on Dallas’ rotation could be pivotal in tight contests.
Ryan Nembhard looking like the guy who led the NCAA in assists last season… pic.twitter.com/bMq0EmS48i
— NBA University (@NBA_University) October 14, 2025
Why These Players Could Define the Mavericks’ Season
The Mavericks’ 2025–26 season could be defined as much by these underrated contributors as by their stars. Max Christie’s defensive versatility, Daniel Gafford’s interior dominance, and Ryan Nembhard’s playmaking all have the potential to turn tight games into victories. When they hit their stride, Dallas becomes a team that is deeper, more unpredictable, and capable of challenging the league’s elite. These three players may not grab the headlines, but their impact could quietly redefine the Mavericks’ season and reshape their Western Conference trajectory.
© Peter Creveling-Imagn Images
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