Dallas Mavericks Seek New Direction in Medical Staff After Injuries Plague Season
Mavericks Part Ways with Key Medical Figure
In a significant move, the Dallas Mavericks have terminated their director of player health, performance, and innovation, Johann Bilsborough, following a challenging season marred by injuries. This decision comes after Bilsborough spent two seasons with the organization, navigating a turbulent period for the team’s medical staff. His departure signals a search for new leadership in a department that has faced scrutiny since former general manager Nico Harrison dismissed director of health and performance Casey Smith in August 2023.
Injuries Weigh Down Mavericks’ Season
The Mavericks encountered a tumultuous campaign, finishing with a disappointing 26-56 record, their second-worst performance since the turn of the millennium. The injury crisis was a prominent theme throughout the season, with only three players managing to appear in 70 or more games. Head coach Jason Kidd pointed to these injury struggles as a critical factor in the team’s inability to meet expectations.
Kidd expressed frustration over the ongoing injury issues, suggesting that these challenges have hindered the team’s ability to compete effectively. He emphasized the need for a resolution to their health problems, stating that once those are addressed, the team can be fairly judged on their performance.
Injury Impact on Roster Decisions
The Mavericks’ injury problems extended beyond just one or two players. Center Daniel Gafford faced a significant right ankle sprain early in the season, which sidelined him for the entirety of the preseason and the first five games of the regular season. Despite his attempts to play through the discomfort, Gafford ended up missing 27 games, severely limiting the team’s options in the frontcourt.
Last summer, the Mavericks made a substantial investment in their frontcourt by extending Gafford’s contract. Their strategy included pairing him with Anthony Davis and rookie Dereck Lively II, aiming to deploy a double-big lineup. However, injuries plagued all three big men, preventing the team from executing this game plan effectively. Davis and Lively saw limited court time together before Lively underwent season-ending surgery, while Gafford’s partnership with Davis was cut short when the latter was traded.
Looking Ahead: Health as a Priority
With the conclusion of the season, Kidd stressed the importance of health as the Mavericks prepare for the next campaign. He stated that if the team can maintain a full roster, they will have a clearer picture of their capabilities and can be evaluated more accurately.
The Mavericks have a history of struggles with injuries, highlighted by the recent dismissals of key medical personnel, including head athletic trainer Dionne Calhoun and athletic performance director Keith Belton. Calhoun had dedicated 21 seasons to the franchise, while Belton’s tenure was brief, ending after a controversial decision regarding Lively’s on-court activity prior to his injury diagnosis.
The Future of Key Players
As the Mavericks look to rebuild and improve their medical strategies, the health of their star players is paramount. Guard Kyrie Irving, who has been sidelined since tearing his ACL in March 2025, is expected to be ready for training camp. Meanwhile, Lively’s situation remains uncertain; he was observed in a protective boot, and his timeline for recovery is still unclear. Kidd acknowledged the difficulty in assessing the team’s overall performance given the number of key players missing due to injuries.
As of now, the team’s medical department remains unchanged, with recent promotions and hires indicating a potential shift in approach. Jana Austin was elevated to head athletic trainer, and Geoff Puls joined from the Chicago Bulls as the head strength and conditioning coach. The Mavericks are at a crossroads, hoping that a fresh perspective in their medical staff can lead to a healthier and more competitive squad in the upcoming season.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research