The Dallas Mavericks have made significant moves this summer to strengthen their roster. However, beneath the surface, there are hints of possible discontent within the organization, particularly involving their star player.
During an episode of “The Hoop Collective” podcast, ESPN’s Tim McMahon delved into the recent developments concerning the Dallas Mavericks. The team underwent substantial changes in the offseason, including re-signing Kyrie Irving, acquiring Grant Williams through a sign-and-trade, and swapping out Reggie Bullock and Christian Wood for Seth Curry and Richaun Holmes. One notable change was the demotion of Casey Smith, who had served as the head athletic trainer for the Mavericks for the past two decades. Smith will no longer be on the Mavericks’ bench or travel with the team. According to McMahon, this move has caused a mix of frustration and apprehension within the Mavericks organization.
Among those who may be affected by this decision is Dallas superstar Luka Doncic. Since his draft by the Mavericks in 2018, Doncic has built a close relationship with Smith, possibly spending more time with him than anyone else in the organization. Smith’s presence was significant enough that he shared the stage with Doncic when announcing the player’s maximum rookie extension.
Another notable departure is Scott Tomlin, the Mavericks’ long-serving public relations professional, who is leaving the team to work with former Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki. Tomlin had developed close relationships with both Nowitzki and Doncic, making his departure a subject of intrigue.
On the basketball court, there have been unusual decisions as well. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd mentioned that one of the team’s two first-round picks, either 19-year-old center Dereck Lively II or 21-year-old Olivier-Maxence “O-Max” Prosper, might become a starter. This move is aimed at shoring up the Mavericks’ defense, which ranked 24th in the league.
However, it is rare for a rookie, especially a center, to excel defensively in the NBA. While Grant Williams is known for his defensive abilities, he has started only 58 games in his four-year career. With quality defenders like Bullock and Dorian Finney-Smith no longer on the roster, the Mavericks’ defensive upgrades may not be as significant as anticipated.
The most significant concern for the Mavericks appears to be the relationship between Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Irving has garnered attention for disruptive behavior in NBA locker rooms, including trade demands, vaccination refusals, sharing controversial content, and extended absences due to “personal reasons.”
Despite potential concerns, Doncic remains cautiously optimistic about the situation, expressing hope for improved dynamics within the team, stating, “I think it will be way better.”