The Dallas Mavericks are under .500 on the season, but why? Is it Jason Kidd, Luka Doncic, the schedule, injuries, or something else?
Nick Angstadt and Isaac Harris here, the hosts of the daily Locked On Mavericks podcast, with your daily Locked On Mavericks newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Mavericks and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Jason Kidd? Luka Doncic? What or Who to Blame for the Mavs Weird Start
Nov 3, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd looks on during the second half against the Orlando Magic at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images|Jerome Miron/Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Dallas Mavericks: Navigating a Challenging Start
The Dallas Mavericks have kicked off the season with a record below .500, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning the reasons behind this unexpected start. As someone who’s been closely following the Mavericks for a decade, I’ve seen the highs and lows, and this season’s beginning has certainly been puzzling. Let’s break down the key factors contributing to the team’s current struggles.
Injuries: A Major Setback
Injuries have undeniably played a significant role in the Mavericks’ rocky start. The absence of key players like Dereck Lively and P.J. Washington has been felt deeply. Lively, who was instrumental in early victories, and Washington, a crucial defensive presence, have both missed significant time. Their absence has forced the team to rely on bench players who aren’t quite ready for extended minutes, disrupting the rotation and impacting overall performance. The loss of these pivotal players has been a major factor in the team’s inability to close out tight games.
Luka Doncic: Expectations and Reality
Luka Doncic, the cornerstone of the Mavericks, has faced his own set of challenges this season. While his scoring remains impressive, his shooting percentages and decision-making in clutch moments have not met the high expectations set for him. Doncic’s struggles with decision-making, particularly in isolation plays, have been a point of concern. The team needs him to make more efficient choices, especially in critical moments. Additionally, his body language and interactions on the court have drawn attention, highlighting the importance of leadership and attitude in influencing team dynamics.
Despite these challenges, it’s important to remember that the season is still young. The Mavericks have shown resilience in the past, and there’s potential for a turnaround. The team has faced tough opponents and close losses, but with adjustments and the return of key players, there’s hope for improvement.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Mavericks’ season, tune into the Locked On Mavericks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Mavericks Podcast:
- Jason Kidd’s coaching decisions and their impact on the team’s performance
- The role of the supporting cast in the Mavericks’ early struggles
- Analysis of the Mavericks’ recent games against top NBA teams
- Discussion on the influence of referees in close matchups
- Upcoming games and what to expect from the Mavericks moving forward
Traditionally, press defenses are a weapon of last resort in the NBA, fit only for highly specific scenarios or times of desperation. Professional basketball players simply are too good at passing and dribbling to be susceptible to large doses of full-court press — or so the thinking went. But the thinking, it is a-changin’.
Synergy’s database goes back to the 2008-2009 season, and before last year, only one team had used press on even 5% of their defensive possessions: the 2020-21 Charlotte Hornets.
Last year, however, we saw a notable rise in the press defense, thanks to two teams. The Portland Trail Blazers and Indiana Pacers both beat Charlotte’s mark. Portland led the league by pressing 7.2% of the time, yielding only .94 points per possession (well below their typical defensive rating of 1.04, although that’s not by any means an apples-to-apples comparison), and I predicted that this year, the Blazers — featuring heavy doses of ambulatory fly paper Toumani Camara — would crack 10%.
I had the right idea but the wrong team. Instead, the Pacers are currently pressing 11.9% of the time, followed closely by Brooklyn’s 11.5% (the Blazers come in third, with a still historically high 8.4%). In retrospect, Indiana’s surging interest in the press shouldn’t be a huge surprise — they picked up full-court on nearly a quarter of their possessions in last year’s playoffs. That’s insane!
They haven’t been quite that extreme this year, but look at this graph of every team’s percentage of defensive possessions in press defense:
Six teams in total are pressing more than 5% of the time. 22 of the league’s 30 teams are pressing more this year than last (with the caveat that we’re talking about a couple dozen possessions or fewer for many of these teams), and this is by far the most press we’ve seen since the data became available. Given the weaknesses we mentioned in the opening paragraph, why is the press gaining popularity?
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Analysis Sam Vecenie of the Athletic breaks down how this year’s rookies have started. I don’t agree with all of his picks, but he’s always thoughtful with his selections and insightful with his analysis. (NY Times, Subscription required)
Personnel HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto goes behind the scenes with the Indiana Pacers’ coaching staff. Mostly, you get a better appreciation for how little coaches sleep! (HoopsHype)
Must Read Jared Dubin investigates the rise in dunks over time for his newsletter “Last Night, In Basketball.” It’s a fun, breezy read! (Last Night, Subscription required)
Fans Music to our ears. The Mavericks unveiled their City Edition jerseys for this season. (NBA.com)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Wednesday’s Notable Fantasy Basketball Performances
Nov 13, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) shoots the ball against Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images|Photo By Soobum Im/Soobum Im-Imagn Images
In the ever-evolving world of fantasy basketball, keeping an eye on emerging talents and consistent performers is key to maintaining a competitive edge. Let’s delve into the standout performances of three young guns, as well as the continued dominance of Giannis, and explore their potential impact on your fantasy lineup.
Donovan Clingan: A Rising Star?
Donovan Clingan’s recent performance has caught the attention of fantasy managers everywhere. With 31 minutes on the court, Clingan delivered an impressive stat line of 17 points, 12 rebounds, and a staggering eight blocks. His ability to dominate the paint and contribute defensively makes him a valuable asset, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Deandre Ayton’s injury status. While Clingan’s long-term role remains uncertain, his current form makes him a must-add in fantasy leagues, particularly for those in need of blocks and rebounds.
Jared McCain: Rookie on the Rise
Jared McCain has quickly become a hot topic in fantasy circles, thanks to his explosive performance in the absence of key players like Paul George and Joel Embiid. McCain’s 34-point game, complete with six three-pointers and 10 assists, showcases his potential as a high-usage player. While his current role is bolstered by injuries to teammates, McCain’s talent is undeniable. Fantasy managers should consider adding him to their rosters, but remain cautious about his long-term value once the team’s stars return.
Click the button below to see how Giannis continues to be a fantasy force, and why for Victor Wembanyama, the future is now.
Nick Angstadt & Slightly Biased discuss the roles of players like Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, and Quentin Grimes, and analyze the Mavs’ performance against teams like the Warriors and Nuggets. Tune in to hear insights on how the Mavs can improve and what went wrong in their recent games.
Join Isaac Harris as he talks about Kyrie’s red-hot start to the season and the stat that only him and Nikola Jokic share. Plus, a look back at Kyrie’s time with the Mavs and what media expected of him in Dallas.
Join host Nick Angstadt as he breaks down the current state of the Dallas Mavericks. This episode covers insights on players like Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Dereck Lively II, and discusses the team’s performance against formidable opponents such as the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns. With mentions of Daniel Gafford, Naji Marshall, and Quentin Grimes, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the Mavs’ strategies and challenges.
