Mavericks Secretly Courted Duke’s Jon Scheyer Before Dusty May Hire

The Dallas Mavericks surprised many fans this offseason with the hiring of Dusty May as their new head coach. However, according to reporting from ESPN NBA’s Shams Charania, the team’s search process included a significant, previously unreported pursuit of Jon Scheyer, the current head coach of the Duke Blue Devils.

Charania detailed that the Mavericks’ front office made overtures to Scheyer as part of an ambitious effort to secure a young, innovative mind to lead the team. Scheyer, who succeeded Mike Krzyzewski at Duke, has quickly established himself as one of college basketball’s most promising coaches. His reputation for player development and modern offensive schemes reportedly caught the eye of several NBA executives, with Dallas among the most aggressive suitors.

While specifics regarding the Mavericks’ pitch to Scheyer have not been made public, the revelation highlights the breadth of the organization’s coaching search following the departure of their previous head coach. The interest in Scheyer underscores the Mavericks’ willingness to consider unconventional candidates and signals a desire to innovate as the team builds around its young core.

• Jon Scheyer has been the head coach at Duke since 2022, following a legendary tenure by Coach K.
• Dusty May, ultimately chosen by Dallas, built his reputation with successful stints at the college level before receiving his first NBA opportunity.
• The Mavericks’ search reportedly prioritized coaches with proven player development skills and modern basketball philosophies.

Despite the Mavericks’ interest, Scheyer remains at Duke, committed to the Blue Devils’ storied program. The team ultimately pivoted to Dusty May, whose resume also reflects a forward-thinking approach to coaching and player growth. May’s hiring was welcomed by many as a sign that the Mavericks are committed to a fresh vision for the future.

This behind-the-scenes glimpse into the Mavericks’ search process illustrates the increasing overlap between the NBA and elite college basketball programs, as franchises look for innovative thinkers capable of connecting with today’s players. With both Scheyer and May seen as rising stars in their profession, the Mavericks’ pursuit of either candidate signals a broader trend in NBA hiring practices.