Dallas Mavericks fans and media members have been expressing frustration with the team’s recent events, starting with the unexpected trade of star Luka Doncic in early February, and injuries to star players like Kyrie Irving, and so forth.
Mavericks players, such as PJ Washington, have said that they’re sick and tired of hearing “Fire Nico” chants at the team’s home and away games. Washington has every right to feel this way. After the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 16, 2025, the Kentucky product told the media, “At the end of the day, the trade has happened.”
Washington’s statement was accurate. Dallas’ general manager and ownership group decided to break up with Doncic, and then trade rising star Quentin Grimes to the Philadelphia 76ers for Caleb Martin and a 2025 second-round pick.
Dallas’ recent trades have been disappointing, but I’m in the minority who looks at the trades with optimism. Trades are a part of the sports business, and I believe that the trades sting, but there will be better days down the road. Here’s why.
Dallas Mavericks Will Be Alright
Dallas traded Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis. Dallas’ trade was extremely unexpected, but Dallas reportedly traded Doncic due to concerns about his conditioning. Dallas was also reported to start a strategic shift to improve its defense with Davis.
Dallas somehow managed to earn the first overall pick of the 2025 NBA Lottery. Dallas’ next step was to draft Duke star Cooper Flagg. Flagg marked the start of the eponymous era in Dallas, Texas.
Flagg’s struggles have been widely reported in recent weeks, but this shouldn’t come as a surprise, as the 18-year-old has been struggling amid Head Coach Jason Kidd’s point guard experiment until Irving returns after tearing the ACL in his left knee. Irving is expected to return in January 2026.
Flagg can become an NBA All-Star by year 2. However, the Newport, Maine native should play in the forward position. I’d like to see more shooting from him. Flagg ranks at No. 52 in ESPN’s rankings for the NBA’s top 100 players.
Final Thoughts
Flagg is the future face of the Mavericks’ franchise. Flagg’s early season struggles likely caused fans and media members to panic. However, multiple sources have reported that the 18-year-old isn’t worried, citing the transition to the NBA as a primary reason why.
One user’s post on Reddit’s r/NBATalk thread titled, “What’s your realistic expectations of the Mavericks this season? Will they make the playoffs in your opinion?” has sparked discussion in recent days.
In my opinion, the Mavericks will make the playoffs and also be alright. If so, the team needs a true point guard, perhaps D’Angelo Russell, through a trade, free agency, or the draft. They also need to get healthy, and have a strong supporting cast to help the younger players’ workloads.
