Dusty May’s inaugural coaching roster in Dallas includes former swingman Garrett Temple. After a long playing career that spanned many franchises, Temple accepted a position on May’s staff alongside former New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green, who also joined as an assistant. May, hired to replace Jason Kidd, is assembling a staff that blends fresh ideas with seasoned NBA voices.

Temple’s résumé reads like a tour of the league: Houston Rockets, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, Milwaukee Bucks, Charlotte Bobcats, Washington Wizards, Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Clippers, Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans and Toronto Raptors. Over sixteen seasons he has been a cultural presence in locker rooms, especially after he stopped appearing in more than thirty games in a single season following the 2021-22 campaign. His journeyman background gives him insight into the day-to-day grind that many younger players have yet to face.

The Mavericks already have a thread of familiarity linking Temple to the organization. Masai Ujiri was the president of the Raptors when Temple signed with Toronto in 2023, and that connection helped surface the former player for a coaching role. Additionally, while Temple was with the Pelicans, Willie Green served as his head coach; Green’s decision to join Dallas as an assistant creates a built-in rapport that can accelerate the integration of new schemes.

From a strategic standpoint, Temple adds a voice that bridges May’s first-time head-coaching perspective with veteran savvy. He can translate Green’s defensive concepts into everyday practice while offering anecdotes that resonate with players who have lived the journeyman lifestyle. His presence should help the squad internalize the spacing and ball-movement principles May wants to install, and provide the cultural continuity that the front office values.

With at least five coaches now confirmed under May, the Mavericks have built a staff that blends new coaching talent with a seasoned NBA voice. Temple will report to training camp in late August and is expected to work closely with the roster during the Summer League before the regular season begins in October. The combination of May’s fresh approach and Temple’s veteran perspective could give Dallas a distinct advantage as the team seeks to grow and compete in a tough conference.