Dallas Mavericks: Can Jason Kidd solve what Rick Carlisle couldn’t?

There is a new era in Dallas Mavericks basketball because this offseason will feature a whole new management system. Jason Kidd and Nico Harrison have taken the reigns as the next head coach and general manager for the team. Only time will tell if they fix the mess left behind.

So the question remains:

Can Jason Kidd solve the Dallas Mavericks woes that former coach Rick Carlisle couldn’t?

There is no question about it, Coach Carlisle is one the best coaches in Dallas Mavericks history. He has the most wins in Mavs’ history and led the squad to their first ever NBA title back in 2011.

But now, there is a change in scenery and we must look to answers to the Mavs’ current issues.

The big question that must be answered is what really went down with Luka Doncic? No one besides those two really now if anything occurred between the two personalities.

There were supposed rumors that the former coach was threatened by Doncic’s relationship with former assistant coach Jamahl Mosley. If this is true, then this is something Jason Kidd must address right off the bat.

I don’t mean he needs to bring up the past, but rather see as a coach what he can do to keep the Mavs’ star happy. We can only hope Kidd will build a positive vibe like he did with current NBA champion Giannis Antetokunmpo. Players seem to love him and that likely played a big part in his hiring.

Other issues that must be addressed is the lack of players signing with the Mavericks.

In the past, Carlisle did an excellent job at signing NBA free agents who were past their prime or seen as savvy veterans. For example, in 2009 they agreed to terms with Drew Gooden. As well as in 2011 they locked in all-time dunker Vince Carter and in 2010 the team signed former All-Star Peja Stojakovic. The only exceptions I’d make were the signing of Monta Ellis, who did a subpar job and Harrison Barnes who did not live up to his expectations.

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If Kidd can help in recruiting free agents such as Kawhi Leonard, Chris Paul, John Collins or DeMar DeRozan then I consider this aspect a win to the team’s past woes.

One final issue the current Coach must solve is the team’s inability to move the ball.

Last season, the Mavs ranked in the bottom five in assists per game. Doncic did an excellent job at that aspect of the game. He finished second in the league, when it comes to assist. However, the problem was as a team no one else was willingly to move the ball at a stable rate.

Other concerns includes the Mavericks’ ability to score the ball.

Out of 30 NBA teams, Dallas ranked 18th in terms of points per game. This is something that most definitely needs to be improved on. Kidd needs to find a way to get other players involved and allow them to flourish their game.

If there is anything Mavs’ fans have learned, it is that they must be thankful for Carisle’s contribution to the organization and be hopeful that Kidd can improve up on this past season’s woes. All that is left to be said is, buckle up because this is going to be an interesting offseason.

• Published on 07/23/2021 at 12:51 PM
• Last updated at 07/23/2021 at 12:51 PM