The sounds of basketballs bouncing and sneakers squeaking filled the Mendenhall Center at UNLV on Tuesday, letting everyone know the Dallas Mavericks had officially kicked off their first training camp practice for the 2024-25 season. This time, the Mavs switched things up, taking camp to Las Vegas from October 1 to October 4.

It’s only the third time the Mavs have taken camp out of Dallas—the last two times being in Abu Dhabi last season and way back in the Quinn Buckner era, long before Jason Kidd even hit the league. So, what’s behind the change this time? Mavs head coach Jason Kidd spilled the details during his interview with DLLS Sports.

During the interview, the host asked, “First off, why Vegas? Why are you guys here?” and Kidd said, “It’s a great question, easy answer….our owner. We talk about…the Adelson family live here in Vegas. Patrick thought it would be a great idea to bring the team out to have dinner, to start training camp. It was an incredible dinner, beautiful home, and camp was off to a good start.”

From Kidd’s comments, it’s clear that the decision to hold the Mavericks’ preseason camp in Vegas came straight from the top—billionaire majority owner Miriam Adelson. Kidd explained that the Vegas camp was the Adelson family’s idea and emphasized that it was about more than just logistics. This camp focused on bonding and building squad chemistry. The real highlight? An amazing dinner at the Adelsons’ house, which Kidd described as “incredible.” He also pointed out a significant advantage of the out-of-town camp.

“Attention a little bit more “: Jason Kidd on the perks of holding camp out of town

The Mavericks’ training camp in Vegas was more than just another practice—it turned into a reunion of Mavs legends and current players at the Runnin’ Rebels’ practice gym. Shawn Marion, a key part of the 2011 championship squad, and former All-Star Rolando Blackman were in the house, watching the team gear up to chase another NBA Finals run.

Jason Kidd shared that the whole setup was orchestrated by Mavs GM Nico Harrison. It wasn’t just about prepping the current squad—it turned into a reunion of old heads and fresh faces, all coming together to kick off a new chapter. But more than that, Kidd thinks hitting the road makes a real difference in how the players lock in and vibe with each other.

“I think it’s exciting … I think it’s a time to bond. We saw that last year when we went to Abu Dhabi and Madrid uh that was my first of doing something out of the country for training camp but I think it’s great for the guys to be able to go to dinner, to hang out and I think…little bit as a coach, they pay attention a little bit more being on the road,” Kidd said.

Being away from their families and everyday distractions allows the team to strengthen their bond and fosters a sense of belonging to something greater. The Las Vegas camp focused not just on drills and plays but also on cultivating trust and unity among the players. The true test comes on October 8th when the Mavericks take on the Grizzlies. That’s when we’ll find out if this Vegas camp has effectively enhanced their chemistry on the court.

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