?Left 3 Teams, This Could Be 4th?: Just After 17 Games With Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic?s Mavs Put Into Dubious Light by Ex-NBA Star and Fans Alike

Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks have been tangled up in a rather grim situation, something they didn?t expect a month ago. The Dallas side has been performing surprisingly poorly despite their superstar’s valiant efforts on the court. Understandably, every analyst in the NBA world has been carefully looking for the problems plaguing the Mavericks. While some have come up with a few outrageous takes, one former NBA star’s outlook on the team’s problems has started an extensive conversation.

The Mavericks’ fall from grace has been quite dramatic to witness. Furthermore, their blockbuster trade involving Kyrie Irving before the deadline day had everyone talking.?Nevertheless, the Dallas side lost everyone’s attention pretty quickly with their dismal performances even with the Doncic-Irving duo. Recently, a former NBA star explicitly voiced his opinion on the team’s problems, which inspired fans to do the same.

An Ex-NBA star dissects Luka Doncic and Co’s failures

On February 12th, just a few days after the Mavericks traded Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, and a few draft picks for Kyrie Irving and Markieff Morris, the Dallas side was four seed. Fast forward just over a month, and the Texas side are sitting at the 11th position in the table, just out of the play-in position.

Additionally, they suffered their fifth loss in seven games on Wednesday against the Philadelphia 76ers. Their current trajectory has them dangerously close to missing out on the postseason, which will be a reversal of fortunes considering their WC Finals appearance last season.

Keeping the same thing in mind, Jamal Crawford, articulately discussed the team?s issues when recently asked on NBA on TNT. In a recent episode of NBA on TNT, Crawford was given the arduous task of discussing the problems plaguing the Dallas side, to which he had a rather interesting point of view.

“The Mavericks? problems started in the summer. When Jalen Brunson left that team, they lost their identity,” said Crawford. He added, “He was somebody who Luka respected, but he was also somebody who could play with him and get it done as well?Obviously Kyrie is a special talent and a special player, this isn’t Kyrie’s fault. You can’t throw these two together and say, ‘Hey figure it out’ with 20 games left in the West, and it’s this tight.”?

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Since this statement by Crawford, fans have reacted with mixed opinions on the issue. Although Brunson played a crucial role in the Mavericks’ campaign to the Western Conference finals last season, his departure alone does not account for the team’s struggles in the latter half of the season.

Fans react to Crawford’s unusual point of view

Some Dallas fans are not as forgiving towards Kyrie Irving as Crawford.?The drop in the team’s performances perfectly aligns with his debut in the squad, something which gives them food for thought. However, some fans do have the same sentiment as Crawford as they believe that putting Doncic and Irving together to create a blockbuster team for the postseason was never a good idea.

Some fans have also pointed out that the Mavericks’ Head Coach, Jason Kidd, has made below-par contributions.?

Do you think the Mavs have a chance to reach the playoffs? Or even the play-in position? Let us know in the comments below.

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