As the new NBA season kicks off, the Dallas Mavericks find themselves under the microscope. With just two games in, fans and analysts alike are already questioning the team’s dynamics and potential. Let’s break down some of the key areas of concern and optimism surrounding the Mavericks.
Dereck Lively’s Role: Is Kidd Using Him Right?
Dereck Lively has been a hot topic this offseason, with many, including myself, predicting a breakout year for the young center. I even went as far as to pick him for the Most Improved Player award. Lively’s potential is undeniable, and I believe he could be on par with or even surpass Chet Holmgren as one of the best young big men in the league, aside from Victor Wembanyama.
However, the decision to start Daniel Gafford over Lively in the first two games has raised eyebrows. While Gafford has been solid, averaging 18 minutes compared to Lively’s 25, the question remains: should Lively be starting? Jason Kidd’s strategy seems to be about balancing the energy and skills Lively brings off the bench, but I can’t help but feel that Lively’s development would benefit from a starting role. The Mavericks need to decide if they want to nurture Lively as a future cornerstone or continue with a more conservative approach.
Offensive Concerns Beyond Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson
The Mavericks’ offense has been heavily reliant on Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson, who combined for 81 of the team’s 102 points against the Phoenix Suns. This leaves a mere 21 points from the rest of the roster, a statistic that is concerning for any team with championship aspirations.
While Irving’s current average of 18 points on 19 shots per game is below expectations, the real issue lies in the supporting cast’s inability to contribute significantly. Players like P.J. Washington, who is currently shooting 3 of 12 from beyond the arc, need to step up. The Mavericks must find a way to integrate their role players more effectively into the offense, ensuring that they can capitalize on the opportunities created by Doncic and Irving.
Despite these early struggles, I’m not overly worried. The season is young, and there’s ample time for adjustments. The Mavericks have the talent; it’s just a matter of finding the right chemistry and rhythm. As the team continues to gel, I expect to see improvements in both individual performances and overall team dynamics.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Dallas Mavericks’ early season challenges and potential, tune into the Locked On Mavericks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Mavericks Podcast:
- The strategic reasoning behind Jason Kidd’s lineup decisions
- Evaluating the Mavericks’ third guard spot and its impact on the team’s depth
- Analyzing the Mavericks’ defensive strategies and potential adjustments
- A look at the Mavericks’ upcoming schedule and key matchups to watch
