By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Dallas Mavericks are wrapping up practice ahead of Wednesday’s matchup against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center to open the 2026–27 NBA Regular Season.
Reflecting on the roster’s chemistry, rookie guard Sergio de Larrea shared a lighthearted take on bridging cultural gaps with his new teammates.
“We can help them to speak Spanish,” noted the Spanish combo guard after team practice on Sunday. “For me it’s an easy language, but I’m sure that probably most of them can learn a few words.”
The young playmaker feels good about his transition, pointing to his court awareness as his primary asset.
“Probably the passing, floor vision. I think that’s what I can bring to the team. Probably that’s also what kind of helps the team to win,” he explained.
To prepare for the league, the Valladolid native focused heavily on his perimeter game during the summer.
“Probably shooting. I think we’ve been working a lot on that, ensuring the shooting form, the efficiency in the shots,” he replied to a question about individual development.
The former Valencia player has leaned on fellow countryman Santi Aldama.
“He’s from Spain, we’re friends, and he’s helping me with all this process,” he said.
“I guess for a rookie you never really know what to expect,” mentioned head coach Dusty May. “He looks like a guy that could play in the rotation and contribute to winning, and definitely feels as though everyone plays a little bit better when he’s on the floor because of his passing and playmaking.”
However, the Mavs face immediate frontcourt uncertainty. Aldama is still recovering from a knee procedure, and May admitted he ‘doesn’t know yet’ if he can suit up against the Rockets.
The medical report does not end there. Besides Dereck Lively II rehabbing from foot surgery, Turkish Tarik Biberovic is day-to-day with right heel bursitis.
Despite these injuries, the squad boasts a heavily populated European core. This group additionally features British Tobi Lawal and French Zaccharie Risacher, both ready to launch the campaign in Houston.
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