The early returns on Dusty May’s transition to the NBA are moving fast. Less than a week after the draft, the new Dallas Mavericks head coach is zeroing in on his top assistant, and it looks like he’s going with someone who’s been around the block.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported Wednesday that former New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green is the leading candidate to join May’s staff in Dallas. Green spent the last few seasons as Steve Kerr’s lead assistant with the Golden State Warriors, and the Warriors reportedly wanted to keep him. But the chance to work with May — a fellow first-time NBA head coach with a college pedigree — apparently gave Green something to think about.
“The Warriors hoped to bring him back for a second stint on Steve Kerr’s staff. But May’s jump to the NBA gave Green two strong options,” Stein posted on X.
This isn’t the first name to pop up for May’s bench. Back on June 27, Stein also floated Adrian Griffin, the former Milwaukee Bucks coach, and Noah LaRoche, a Heat consultant, as potential candidates. But Green feels like the most notable get so far. He led the Pelicans to a playoff appearance in 2022 and has a reputation as a players’ coach who can develop young talent.
May’s coaching staff is just one piece of a broader reshaping in Dallas. The front office has been aggressive since the draft, trying to build around rookie sensation Cooper Flagg after a brutal 26-56 season. Flagg is the centerpiece of this rebuild, and adding a veteran assistant like Green who’s seen both success and struggle should help.
Speaking of the roster, the Mavericks made another move Wednesday. They picked up big man Santi Aldama from the Memphis Grizzlies in a trade that sent guard AJ Johnson, a protected 2030 first-round pick originally from Golden State, and two future second-rounders the other way. Aldama, who’s from Spain, just put up a career-best 14.0 points per game last season. He’ll pair with Flagg and May’s first draft pick, Morez Johnson Jr., to try and turn things around.
So the big-picture plan is starting to take shape. May wants a staff with NBA experience. Green wants a lead role after thriving as a top assistant. And the front office is finally getting some pieces around Flagg. Whether it all clicks is a question for next season, but at least the front office isn’t sitting still.
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