Dirk Nowitzki just said the quiet part out loud about the Mavericks' new era

The Dallas Mavericks could become one of the most dominant teams in the Western Conference next season when healthy. This is a message former Mavs great Dirk Nowitzki agrees with. He believes Dallas' season hinges on the status of Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, and Dereck Lively II. If the players mentioned, along with their teammates, can stay healthy, the sky is the limit for the Mavericks.

Last season, Dallas suffered a bad case of the injury bug. It hit the team hard during the second half of the season when players began to fall. For example, Davis, the player traded for Luka Doncic, missed 18 games with the team after suffering an adductor injury in his debut game. His health will be crucial, as he aims to take the next leap with the team.

One reason he'll play a big role is because of Irving's status. Dallas is expected to play a majority of the season without Irving, as he'll be out for an extended period of time after tearing his ACL last season. Davis will have a big load to carry, and the team will need him to stay healthy if they hope to remain competitive without Irving.

Mavericks' season hinges on last year's kryptonite

So, Nowitzki might be onto something. If you recall, Lively II also missed significant time. He missed 36 games last season after dealing with a stress fracture in his right ankle. His injury history is something Dallas will need to monitor. Lively II has missed 73 games over the past two seasons. His health will also be important, as he is expected to be part of the team's starting lineup.

Nowitzki described the impact the three players will have on the Mavs' future outlook. Is the legend onto something?

"To me, it all depends on health. When’s Kyrie coming back, is he gonna be 100 percent when he comes back, is AD gonna stay healthy? We know Lively missed some action over the last few years," Nowitzki said.

Basically, there is a lot of uncertainty going into next season. Most of those doubts are centered around last season's injury history. Dallas, though, can erase those doubts if players can prove everyone wrong and stay healthy until Irving returns. If the team is in the playoff hunt once Irving returns, then it's possible they can live up to their expectations.

However, one other player who will be impactful for next season is Cooper Flagg. The Mavs' rookie will rely on teammates like Davis and Irving to help make his first season a smooth one. The two all-stars are the perfect mentors, as they had similar journeys to Flagg. So, if they can form connections on the court, it'll help develop his leap into the NBA. Although this is only possible if they stay healthy, an issue that'll define their season.

"To me, it’s all about health, and if they’re healthy, they can have a good year in the West…if they’re healthy, it’s gonna be a great season for them,” Nowitzki said.

So, Nowitzki is right. The Mavs' team is "pretty stacked," but the only way their roster can work is if they can stay healthy. It'll be up to players like Davis and Lively II to keep things afloat until Irving returns. Mavs fans can only hope the injury bug avoids Dallas this upcoming season.