The Dallas Mavericks are facing a challenging time as they slip down to the 11th position in the Western Conference, out of the play-in picture. Since acquiring Kyrie Irving from the Brooklyn Nets and pairing him with Luka Dončić, the team has struggled to perform consistently, resulting in their current position. However, Irving cannot be blamed alone for this slump, and it probably does not include him despite his impressive performance in 37 games he has played.
Mavericks’ Strategy and Acquiring Irving
Last season, Mavericks’ strategy was based on identifying the weak spots and relentlessly squeezing them using two shot-makers and long, rangy defenders. Jalen Brunson and Dorian Finney-Smith were among these players, with the former seeming to fit well alongside Dončić. Brunson was also willing to sign an under-market deal last season, but the Mavericks hesitated.
Acquiring a second star player alongside Luka Dončić has been Mark Cuban’s mission since becoming owner of the team. Thus, Irving was acquired right before the All-Star break from Brooklyn, making him a rarity in the team’s history to have an All-Star not named Dončić or Dirk Nowitzki. However, getting Kristaps Porziņģis from the Knicks once his unhappiness was apparent proved to be a bad fit next to Dončić.
Defensive Struggles and Losing Finney-Smith
The Mavericks have been struggling defensively lately, having given up 117.6 points per game in their last 19 games. This slip-up caused them to slide down to 22nd on overall defensive efficiency. Losing Finney-Smith has been another disaster for the team as he was a tough Swiss Army Knife of a defender that could switch on the perimeter and hold his own against bigs.
Without Irving on the books for next season, Cuban and Harrison have voids to fill this summer, which has become increasingly crucial considering their limited resources. The landscape of NBA trades has changed in recent years, making it harder for the Mavericks to acquire assets.
Tanking or Pushing for Playoffs
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban previously admitted to tanking during the 2017-18 season and received a fine from the NBA. However, despite their recent success in making it to the playoffs, the Mavericks are currently struggling in the league after acquiring Kyrie Irving. They currently hold a 10th-worst record in the league and are 3.5 games away from having the sixth-worst record, which would increase their chances of landing a top draft pick.
The team’s limited resources have made it even more crucial for them to land a high draft pick and turn it into a valuable asset. They are also facing the risk of losing their first-round pick to the New York Knicks if it is not in the top 10, as part of a prior trade deal.
Luka Dončić Struggles with Losing Joy
Luka Dončić has been struggling this season, losing joy in basketball and not being present in the moment. Injuries played a role in his struggles, forcing him to focus more on outside noise, particularly referees. It has been hard to watch Luka lose his joy and struggle behavior as it could affect his performance and reputation as a superstar.
Moreover, Luka is facing personal issues that have affected him greatly, such as losing friends in the team. He is struggling with his feelings, which is something relatable to everyone. However, Kyrie Irving has gone through similar struggles earlier in his career and is showing positive behavior that could potentially be a good influence and mentor for Luka.
The Conclusion
In conclusion, basketball involves emotions and feelings, and personal issues could significantly affect one’s performance. The Dallas Mavericks are currently facing challenges that include defensive struggles, losing players such as Finney-Smith and coping with Luka Dončić’s mental health issues.
Thus, the team must find a way to balance between tanking or pushing for playoffs, filling voids in the upcoming summer, and focusing on building a strong supporting cast around its franchise player. It is time for the Mavericks to reassess their strategies and make necessary changes to help them improve their game.
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