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Garrett Temple Joins Mavericks Coaching Staff After 16-Year NBA Career
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- Garrett Temple Joins Mavericks Coaching Staff After 16-Year NBA Career
The Dallas Mavericks continue to reshape their coaching staff under new head coach Dusty May, and their latest addition brings more than a decade and a half of NBA experience to the bench.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, veteran guard Garrett Temple has agreed to retire from playing and join May's coaching staff in Dallas. The move marks the end of Temple's 16-year NBA career and gives the Mavericks another respected veteran voice alongside former New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green, who is also joining May's staff. The hiring further illustrates Dallas' commitment to surrounding its first-year head coach with experienced basketball minds as the franchise prepares for the 2026-27 season.
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Garrett Temple Accepts Dusty May's Offer
Stein reported Saturday that Temple has accepted May's pitch to transition directly from the court to the sidelines.
"UPDATE: Garrett Temple is joining Dusty May's coaching staff in Dallas," Stein posted on X. "After a 16-year playing career, Temple has accepted May's pitch to move into coaching on a staff also to feature ex-Pelicans coach Willie Green."
The news was first shared by Legion Hoops before Stein confirmed additional details regarding Temple's decision.
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Temple Brings 16 Years of NBA Experience
Temple entered the NBA as an undrafted free agent out of LSU in 2009 before carving out one of the league's longest careers. Over 16 seasons, he appeared in 793 regular-season games while playing for the 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 .
Although never known as a high-volume scorer, Temple built a reputation as one of the NBA's most respected veterans thanks to his leadership, professionalism and defensive versatility. His longevity made him a valuable locker room presence everywhere he played.
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Temple spent the past three seasons with the Raptors, appearing in 77 games while serving as one of the organization's veteran leaders.
Dallas Continues Building Around Dusty May
Temple's hiring is another notable addition for May, who was hired by the Mavericks after leading Michigan during the 2025-26 season. Dallas has already added former Pelicans head coach Willie Green to the coaching staff, giving May experienced assistants with years of NBA knowledge.
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For Temple, the move starts the next chapter of a basketball career that began at LSU and spanned more than a decade and a half in the NBA. Instead of suiting up for a 17th season, he'll now begin helping shape the Mavericks from the sidelines as part of May's first coaching staff in Dallas.
Related: Michigan Basketball Receives Exciting News After Dusty May's Departure
Related: Dusty May to the NBA: The History of College Coaches Going to the Pros
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jul 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
