NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
What’s going on with the Dallas Mavericks? There are rumors swirling that the Mavericks could trade Christian Wood at the trade deadline if the two sides cannot come to terms on a new contract. While this is part of the game, how does this affect Luck Doncic? The Mavs are making strides this year but something isn’t right with that organization.
For the past few tears, the rumblings have been that Doncic is doing everything himself. When will the Mavs finally get him some help? Well, truth be told, Wood is the third player the Mavs had that offered the help Doncic needs. And yet, here they are again looking at the possibility of watching him exit. Is this on the players or the organization? The real issue began in Luka’s 2nd season.
The Dallas Mavericks had a roster that included Doncic, Tim Hardaway Jr, Seth Curry, Jalen Brunson, and Kristpas Porzingis. That team would finish the regular season with a record of 43-32 and miss the playoffs. But they were young and growing. The following season, Doncic and Porzingis was set to become a fearsome duo but injuries and rumors of a rift would keep them from reaching “next level” status.
The following season, Porzingis would be traded and Doncic would be left to fend mostly for himself but the emergence of Jalen Brunson was coming.
In 2021, Brunson and Doncic became one of the best backcourts in the NBA. However, the following summer, Brunson bolted to the New York Knicks in free agency after he and the Mavs could not work out a new deal. While they did snag Wood from the Houston Rockets, the Mavericks are in danger of letting Luka down, yet again.
While fans are watching Doncic put up historic numbers, the noise from the stands are still pleading for the front office to bring in help. How much more help do they need when they keep letting players bolt? Porzingis averaged 17.8 points and 7.1 rebounds while in Dallas. Was that not enough help? So what if there was a slight rift between the two, not everyone has to be friends to be successful. Porzingis is now with the Washington Wizards where he’s averaging 22.2 points and 8.9 rebounds.
Dallas Mavericks Are Sabotaging Themselves
As for his backcourt mate last season, Brunson has been a blessing for the New York Knicks with averages of 20.8 points and 6.5 assists. In 2021, while teaming with Luka, Brunson had his breakout year with averages of 16.3 points and 4.8 assists. And yet, when they had the chance to lock him into a new deal, the Mavericks dropped the ball.
Fast forward to the 2022 season and here they are again with Wood it’s time. Wood and his reps are looking for at least a 4-year deal while the Dallas Mavericks are inclined to offer no more than a 2-year deal. What is wrong with this organization? According to reports, the team is willing to trade him rather than let him walk at the end of the year and not receive any compensation.
Here they go again. This will be the 3rd player the Mavericks have decided to part ways with and the 3rd player that Luka could depend on for help. Are they really trying to help Luka or are they too busy enjoying the triple-doubles he’s posting while tiring himself out well before the playoffs start?
Christian Wood came over in an offseason trade with the Rockets to provide help for the Mavericks and Luka. This season, he’s averaging 17.6 points and 8.0 rebounds. But the catch to Woods’ play is that he’s been used with the 2nd unit and has averaged under 28 minutes per game. If you know Luka needs help, why do you have your 2nd best player coming off the bench and still not getting 32+ minutes a night?
It’s like the Dallas Mavericks are sabotaging their own team. What happens if Woods does leave and Luka looks around and says enough is enough and he starts demanding a trade? Woods is looking for a 4-year deal and the Mavericks are willing to go no higher than 2.
Did they not learn anything from the Brunson situation? Even if he is traded, the Mavericks must get back valuable pieces. But what team is willing to part with picks or even contributing players when they know they have the Mavericks in a tight spot or they can just wait till the offseason and get Woods for just dollars?
For every fan and analysts screaming for the Dallas Mavericks to get Luka some help, they should now realize that Luka has had help. The Mavericks just refuse to keep them around long enough to keep Luka happy.
