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The Dallas Mavericks entered the 2023-24 NBA season as expected contenders. Just a year removed from a Western Conference Finals appearance, they’ve instead regressed into inconsistency, defensive struggles, and a desperate fight to avoid the play-in tournament. Frustration is mounting, but the reality is clear: there’s no easy fix for this mess.
The Luka Dončić Dilemma
Luka Dončić is an MVP-caliber superstar (averaging 34.7 PPG, 9.8 APG, 9.0 RPG), yet the Mavericks are barely staying afloat. The problem? The roster around him is poorly constructed, and his ball-dominant style, while spectacular, can lead to offensive stagnation.
- Over-reliance on Luka: His league-high usage rate means the team collapses when he sits.
- Lack of a secondary playmaker: Kyrie Irving was supposed to help, but the fit has been shaky.
Without a reliable supporting cast, Dončić can’t carry Dallas alone.
The Kyrie Irving Experiment Isn’t Working
Kyrie Irving is undeniably talented, but his time in Dallas has been marred by injuries, inconsistency, and defensive struggles.
- Defensive liabilities: The Mavs rank near last in defensive efficiency, and trading Dorian Finney-Smith for Irving hurt their versatility.
- Unreliable availability: Kyrie’s absences disrupt chemistry, leaving Luka overworked.
If Irving isn’t the long-term answer, Dallas must seek alternatives.
Roster Construction: A History of Mistakes
The Mavericks’ front office has repeatedly misfired:
- Failed Kristaps Porziņģis experiment
- Letting Jalen Brunson walk for nothing
- Lack of defensive depth
Role players like Tim Hardaway Jr. and Dwight Powell are solid but not game-changers. Rookie Dereck Lively II shows promise but isn’t ready to anchor a playoff defense.
Is Jason Kidd the Right Coach?
Jason Kidd led Dallas to the 2022 Conference Finals, but this season, his rotations and defensive schemes have been questionable.
- Defensive regression: Despite being a defensive-minded coach, the Mavs struggle to stop opponents.
- Locker room concerns: Is there enough accountability?
A coaching change might help, but it won’t solve the roster’s fundamental flaws.
How Can the Mavericks Fix This?
- Trade for a better co-star – If Kyrie isn’t working, target a two-way wing (e.g., Siakam, Anunoby).
- Upgrade the defense – Add more size, athleticism, and defensive specialists.
- Develop young players – Lively, Josh Green, and Jaden Hardy must improve quickly.
- Reduce Luka’s burden – Find a secondary playmaker to share ball-handling duties.
The Bottom Line: No Quick Fixes
Dallas isn’t one trade or coaching adjustment away from contention. Deep roster flaws, defensive struggles, and over-reliance on Luka require long-term solutions.
The silver lining? Luka is only 24. The Mavs must make smarter moves—or risk wasting his prime. For now, fans should brace for more turbulence ahead.
