(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Dallas Mavericks gambled, and not all gambles pay off.
They traded their best defensive player and other pieces to land Kyrie Irving, which seemed like a good idea at first glance.
Irving teaming up with Luka Doncic would put them over the top offensively, but defensive concerns loomed large as soon as the deal went through.
Fast forward to today, and the experiment was a blatant failure and one that might haunt them for years to come.
That’s why, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the team is even considering shutting both Irving and Doncic down for the remainder of the season.
The Mavericks are ‘seriously considering’ shutting down Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving to push for a top 10 pick, per @ShamsCharania
(h/t @RealGM) pic.twitter.com/VwHMSZsVzV
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) April 3, 2023
The Mavs still have a slim shot at making the Play-in tournament and clinching a playoff berth.
Nonetheless, the team might be more interested in trying to make a push for a top-10 pick right now.
Needless to say, that didn’t sit well with several fans, who called them out for perpetrating what some consider to be a losing culture in the NBA.
What a loser culture the NBA has. You have all summer to rest if you don’t make it.
— Sports bettor (@TheOneFortyPlus) April 3, 2023
Tanking after trading for a top 10 player is down bad behavior.
— Tucker for MVP (2-2) (@Jack473836) April 3, 2023
I mean it’s probably the smart thing to do. They aren’t a very good team and would be bounced in the first round anyways
— IKD (@ESPNneedsIKD) April 3, 2023
Please request. You’re better than this. @luka7doncic pic.twitter.com/6lcfsB5o9Q
— (@Knicktopia) April 3, 2023
Just keep playing them and they’ll get it
— Erick (@Erickpompilio) April 3, 2023
Tanking is supposed to help level the field, but tanking teams rarely stop tanking.
Moreover, not many successful teams have been built through the Draft, with the exception of the Golden State Warriors.
On top of that, the Mavericks don’t even know if Kyrie Irving will be back on the team next season, as he’ll be an unrestricted free agent.
So, shutting their best players down in a desperate attempt to land a top-10 talent might not send Doncic the best message about the team’s direction.
The post Fans React To Today’s Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving Report appeared first on The Cold Wire.