What the heck are the Dallas Mavericks doing?
By Reid Hanson
Free agency didn’t go as many Dallas Mavericks fans thought it would causing many to openly ask, ‘what the heck are the Mavs doing?’
Dallas Mavericks fans are used to disappointment this time of year. Ever since they imploded their 2011 Championship squad in order to upgrade (a ridiculous sounding plan, to be sure), the Mavs have been given the cold shoulder by unrestricted free agents.
But as we discussed all summer – this year was supposed to be different. This was the season free agents would beg the Dallas Mavericks to join the team. Not the other way around. As we all know, that didn’t come to be, and MFFL are seeing the same story unfold, just a different day. So what gives?
The Plan
With Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis locked down for the foreseeable future, the Dallas Mavericks boast two of the most promising young players in the NBA. Their talent level and age were supposed to serve as a selling point for this rebuilding franchise. Young stars like to play with young stars, right?
It’s hard to dispute that, even after seeing the Mavs strike out in free agency. Stars largely gravitated together this offseason. Preferring to team-up and compete for a championship, over doing it the old fashioned way and building a team at home.
What Happened
The Dallas Mavericks did what they were supposed to. They set their sights on realistic targets. They didn’t swing for the fences and ask out the head cheerleader. They found someone in their league and made a push.
Players like Kemba Walker and Danny Green can hardly be considered ‘too good for the Mavs’. Many of us MFFL, begrudgingly came to terms with the idea they are the best the Mavs can do this offseason. Sadly, even those guys proved unattainable.
At the end of the day, the Dallas Mavericks struck out in free agency. Since unrestricted players shunned Dallas, Dallas relied on restricted free agency to make their primary upgrade (settling on a sign and trade).
Why it Happened
What happened and why is clear – the jury is still out on Luka and KP. Luka may have won the rookie of the year in a landslide, but he’s far from a developed player. His career trajectory is aimed high. Really high. But he has a long way to go before he summits his peak.
More from Dallas Mavericks
- The Dallas Mavericks accomplished a lot on Draft Day
- Mavericks pairing Luka Doncic and Draymond Green a technical (foul) disaster
- Can the Mavericks steal Deandre Ayton from cap-strapped Suns?
- Dallas Mavericks: Top-5 options for the Mavs to explore in the NBA Draft
- Dallas Mavericks can’t keep pick No. 10 in the NBA Draft
KP is a similar story. Not too long ago he was a superstar in this league. But memories are short and KP is…well…tall. Completely overcoming an achilies injury like his isn’t a sure thing. The guy is 7’3″ after all. Players his size bounce back differently from standard case studies. That’s not to say he won’t. Most experts think he will. It just means the jury is still out around the league and many players would rather see it to believe it than just make a leap of faith when other, safer, options are available.
Potential
As we stand today, the Dallas Mavericks are all potential and nothing can be assumed. Until the Mavs assume that potential, players with free will are going to be weary of the franchise. Sadly, Mavs fans will need to be patient as the young Dallas core proves their worth to everyone in the league. Only then will this be a desirable franchise.
Mavs free agency: disappointing but not fruitless. dark. Next
What the heck are the Mavs doing? They did all they could but at the end of they day they just weren’t appealing enough to lure the level of player we all want. For that we must wait.
- Published on 07/11/2019 at 12:58 PM
- Last updated at 07/11/2019 at 12:58 PM