Dallas Mavericks 2021/2022 Season Preview – Just Kidding, Luka
Bad Men, Bad Takes – Season 1, Episode 17
There has been a lot of changes in Dallas during the off-season, but according to the BMBT office, the thing that stays the same is that this team will go as far as Luka takes them.
Attempts to shake the roster up and bring in help for Doncic heading into the new season fell short, with the most notable addition being new Head Coach Jason Kidd following the shock resignation of long-time Head Coach Rick Carlisle.
“I think this is a bad appointment”, said Hunter. “You can say he played there and he won a title there, but this is bad for their public image and their win total going forward”.
“He makes this team exponentially worse”.
Jason Kidd (right) will take over as Head Coach of the Mavericks from former mentor Rick Carlisle (left). Credit: USA TODAY Sport
Rafe agreed, stating the coaching change would be a “pretty big downgrade”.
“I didn’t think he was going to get another chance as a Head Coach, but someone is willing to give him a go apparently”.
Ben thought the rash hiring of Kidd likely came on the back of the franchise being taken by surprise by Carlisle’s resignation, leaving the team scrambling for name recognition on the bench.
“I think they wanted a name that fans know to come in following Carlisle’s resignation, but he’s nowhere near the Coach Carlisle is”.
“Luka can be quite emotional and Kidd is known for working his players hard. This could create tension between the two”.
The Mavericks also failed to address the need for a true secondary star to help take the load off Doncic during the regular season. Instead, the team will need to rely on inconsistent big man Kristaps Porzingis to help carry the team to the post-season and beyond as they start their new campaign.
The Dallas Mavericks failed to get help for their superstar, Luka Doncic, in the off-season. Credit: Abbie Parr/Getty images.
“Are we being too hard on Porzingis?”, Rob asked.
“He’s basically a 20 point and 10 rebound guy when he’s healthy, his body just doesn’t hold up”.
Rafe believes Kristaps just needs more time, saying “he hasn’t had a healthy off-season in a long time. If he’s ever going to bounce back, this is the year”.
Listen to the full show podcast to hear where the team think the Mavericks will finish this season, whether Reggie Bullock starts, how Dallas can keep Luka happy going forward and more!
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