(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Dallas Mavericks ended the 2022-23 NBA season on a high note, with Luka Doncic and company defying the odds by reaching the Western Conference Finals.
Despite ultimately falling short to the eventual NBA champion Golden State Warriors, Doncic’s squad showed a lot of promise that the team might be on the verge of being a perennial title contender with the Slovenian superstar at the helm.
With only a handful of games left for the Mavericks this season, things have changed drastically in the other direction, even following the acquisition of fellow superstar Kyrie Irving.
Although many have pointed at Irving for the team’s recent problems, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith believes Doncic should shoulder the blame.
.@stephenasmith talks about what is going on in Dallas:
“I don’t have a single negative syllable to utter about Kyrie Irving. He is not the problem in Dallas. … Luka is the one, dare I say, that has a huge question mark hovering over him, and it’s nothing statistical.” pic.twitter.com/w8XZ91FUtU
— First Take (@FirstTake) April 3, 2023
Granted, Doncic has been dealing with some off-the-court issues, which must be tough as it involves a serious family matter.
That kind of off-the-court distraction can make it difficult to focus when on the floor.
However, the clock is ticking in Dallas regarding Luka’s long-term future with the team and if he genuinely wants to play for Mark Cuban’s franchise moving forward.
All signs have pointed to Doncic being content in Dallas, but the end result of this disappointing season could alter that stance, especially if he wants a fresh start at some point.
Another concerning part of what is going on in Dallas is Irving’s future and whether he’s willing to re-sign with the team after a disastrous stint with the Mavericks.
Things aren’t looking good for the Mavericks, as the team may be headed into an uncertain future with a couple of unhappy superstars eager to play for a winner.
The post Stephen A. Smith Names 1 Player As The Problem With Mavericks appeared first on The Cold Wire.