The NBA coaching carousel is a fascinating spectacle, and the recent revelation by Brian Windhorst has added an intriguing twist to the narrative. The story of Dusty May, the newly appointed Dallas Mavericks head coach, and his potential path to the Golden State Warriors bench is a testament to the dynamic nature of the league's coaching landscape.
May's journey to Dallas is a tale of missed opportunities and strategic decisions. While he led Michigan to a remarkable 37-3 record and the 2026 NCAA National Championship, his future was far from certain. The athletic director at Michigan, Warde Manuel, had publicly announced that May had agreed to a new deal, but no signed contract was ever revealed. This raises a deeper question: how much influence do athletic directors have over the decisions of coaches like May, who are keeping an eye on NBA options?
May's connection to the Golden State Warriors is particularly intriguing. The Warriors' No. 11 overall pick, Yaxel Lendeborg, played under May at Michigan and spoke highly of his former coach. This suggests that May's pro-style offense and management style could have been a compelling factor for the Warriors if Steve Kerr had not decided to return. The Warriors' interest in May is a reminder that the NBA is a small world, and connections can be made through unexpected channels.
The Mavericks' hiring of May is a strategic move, as they inherit a roster built around Cooper Flagg and reunite with former Michigan forward Morez Johnson Jr. However, for a brief moment this offseason, the Warriors and May were closer to crossing paths than anyone knew. This raises a question: what if the Warriors had decided to part ways with Kerr? Would May have been their top choice, or would they have turned to other candidates?
In my opinion, the NBA coaching landscape is a complex web of relationships and opportunities. The league is a small community, and connections can be made through players, athletic directors, and other coaches. The story of May and the Warriors is a reminder that the league is always in flux, and opportunities can arise from unexpected places. It is a fascinating spectacle, and one that is sure to continue to evolve as the season progresses.
