Just months ago, JR Smith was more likely to be found perfecting his golf swing than contemplating an NBA comeback. Yet, in a surprising turn, the former sharpshooter hinted at a return, saying, “All I need is about seven to eight days to get in shape.” This unexpected declaration comes as the Dallas Mavericks grapple with a depleted roster and mounting fan frustration

Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks are dealing with a serious crisis. Injuries have left them with just eight healthy players – the bare minimum required to compete. The Mavericks have already ruled out Kyrie Irving, Dante Exum, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper for the season. The team hasn’t announced return dates for other key players. Mavs have almost no financial flexibility.

The NBA’s hard cap looms dangerously over the Mavericks, limiting their G League options. One more injury could force the Mavericks to forfeit. But could JR Smith actually help them avoid that?

Despite the problem Mavs have found themselves in,

J.R Smith remains ruthless in his comments. He said, “Yeah, man, I heard the Mavs need some action. I’m around. All I need is about seven to eight days to get in shape.” He then added that if they needed a shooter or a solid 3-and-D player, he was available. He finished with, “I still got it. I got a candidate over here. If y’all need me, let me know.”

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James is congratulated by guard JR Smith after dunking against the Houston Rockets during the second half of game two of the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

While Smith’s comment was likely made in jest, it does raise an interesting question. How desperate are the Mavericks? Could an emergency 10-day contract, like those given to veterans in recent seasons, actually be an option? After all, Joe Johnson and Jamal Crawford made brief comebacks under similar circumstances

The NBA’s hard cap has trapped the Mavericks, leaving them just $51,000 under the limit and unable to sign new players. Their only real option? Activate injured players before they’re fully ready. That could raise eyebrows around the league, but it might be their only hope. Otherwise, a forfeit could deal a huge blow to their playoff hopes. Smith’s comment, whether serious or not, has only fueled speculation about the Mavericks’ desperation.

P.J. Washington claps back at ‘Fire Nico’ chants

How long does frustration last after a game-changing trade? For Dallas Mavericks fans, it seems endless. Ever since the team sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, things have gone from bad to worse. Davis suffered an immediate injury, Kyrie Irving tore his ACL, and the team has plummeted in the standings.

But instead of just venting online, fans have made general manager Nico Harrison their public enemy number one. “Fire Nico” has become a rallying cry, heard at nearly every home game. Arena security even kicked out one fan in February for displaying it on the jumbotron.

On Sunday, Mavericks forward P.J. Washington had enough. When a fan shouted “Fire Nico” during his free throw, he snapped, “Shut yo ass up.” The moment went viral, but Washington saw it as built-up frustration rather than just an outburst.

“At the end of the day, trades happen,” Washington said. “All that ‘fire Nico’ stuff, we’re sick and tired of hearing it.” He wants fans to move forward and support the team, no matter who’s on the floor.

Washington’s reaction isn’t unique in the NBA. Players like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook have had heated exchanges with fans, but does it ever change the narrative? If anything, public confrontations often escalate tensions rather than defuse them. Instead of silencing critics, Washington’s response may have only strengthened the ‘Fire Nico’ movement

But can players really ignore the noise? Max Christie, part of the Dončić trade, tried to take the high road. “We get paid a lot of money just to play basketball. Distractions are gonna be there, and we gotta move past them,” he said.

Still, will the negativity stop? Unlikely. Until Dallas starts winning—or actually fires Nico—this tension will only grow. And with Dončić returning to Dallas on April 9, things might just explode.