Can the Dallas Mavericks make the NBA playoffs? Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving eare struggling
The arrival of the former Nets point guard was supposed to herald the beginning of a new title contention era in Dallas. The only problem is that didn’t happen.
When looking at the Mavericks roster, it’s hard to believe that they are in the position that they’re currently in. Is it a case of a lack of unity between the team’s stars, a coaching problem, or simply bad luck? Whatever the case, something needs to be changed and quickly.
The Mavericks’ experiment isn’t working
If you think back to the NBA trade deadline, it was the Mavericks who arguably won it all. With a block buster move for the Nets’ estranged star point guard, Kyrie Irving, it seemed as though the the franchise had finally found a way to support Luka Doncic with another high-profile player who could help to carry the offensive load. Indeed, reports suggested that it was Doncic himself who had been pushing franchise owner, Mark Cuban, to add fire power to the roster. Ultimately, Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a 2029 first-round pick, and two future second-round picks were traded to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Irving and Markieff Morris. As you would have like seen, many immediately began to consider the Mavs as title contenders and now here facing a present situation where they are definitely not.
What’s the problem with the Mavericks?
While there are several layers to this, perhaps the most notable is the loss of continuity and chemistry. No matter the sport, it can always be difficult when adding personnel and even more so when the individual in question is a household name in their own right i.e., egos and roles have to be managed. Then, we’ve also got to mention the importance of Finney-Smith’s perimeter defense, he was arguably their best in that department. To be clear, since the Mavs added Irving, they’ve gone 7-12. Yet, what’s truly disturbing about that statistic is the fact that when Doncic and Irving have been on the court together, it’s been 3-7. That’s not a good look for a team that added the former NBA champion to help them make a title run.
Where are the Mavericks right now?
On Friday night, the Mavs hit a new low with a loss to the very much struggling Charlotte Hornets and yes, both Irving and Doncic were on the court. Given what transpired in other games in the Western Conference, the Mavs now find themselves sitting in 11th and believe it or not, outside of playoff qualification. If you’re wondering, there are just eight games left in the regular season meaning that at this point, every game the Mavs play from here on out is essentially a final with no margin for error. Should they fail to book a postseason ticket, it will be hard to label this season as anything other than an absolute disaster. Even more so if we consider their favorable position in the table before Irving joined and the fact that with pending free agency, he could leave for free in the coming offseason. Were that to happen the Mavs would be left without depth and draft capital and we don’t have to tell you, that’s not good.