The Current State of the Dallas Mavericks
The current state of the Dallas Mavericks is raising eyebrows and concerns, as the team struggles with a disappointing 3-7 record at the beginning of the NBA season. This underwhelming performance is exacerbating existing frustrations among the fan base, particularly stemming from the controversial trade of star player Luka Doncic last season. His impressive stats this season, which include nearly a triple-double average of 37 points, 10 rebounds, and 9.5 assists, have only amplified the disappointment as he leads the Los Angeles Lakers to a significantly better 7-3 record and a top-10 offense.
Management and Ownership Concerns
The ongoing unclear direction of the Mavericks organization has intensified scrutiny on general manager Nico Harrison‘s position, generating speculation about his job security. NBA insider, Marc Stein, expressed via his Substack that the growing discontent surrounding the Mavericks is weighing heavily on team ownership.
“There is a pressing concern among the owners given the team’s challenging position for playoff contention,”
Stein remarked, indicating that the negative atmosphere is troubling for those in charge.
Future Challenges and Decisions
A pivotal issue for owner Patrick Dumont is whether he can acknowledge the potential misstep in trading Doncic, as doing so would imply a failure in judgment regarding a deal he initially endorsed. The Mavs may have secured a victory against the struggling Washington Wizards, but their upcoming homestand poses significant challenges, as they are set to face formidable opponents like the Milwaukee Bucks, the surprisingly competitive Phoenix Suns, the Los Angeles Clippers, and the athletic Portland Trail Blazers. How the Mavericks perform in these games will likely influence future decisions made by the ownership.
Player Status and Future Strategies
Interestingly, despite the rocky start, reports indicate the Mavericks currently have no intentions of trading center Daniel Gafford. Gafford, who recently signed a three-year, $54.4 million extension, may remain a key piece for the team, especially given the injury struggles of third-year center Dereck Lively III, who has only played a handful of games this season. Nevertheless, if Dallas does not improve by the Christmas break, there might be a shift in strategy. With the ability to control their 2026 first-round draft pick, they could look to strengthen their roster further, possibly by adding another top talent to complement their No. 1 pick, Cooper Flagg. However, such decisions hinge on the performance of the team and the future of the general manager role, which remains uncertain at this point.
