The Dallas Mavericks are reeling from a succession of injuries that has killed off their season.
The way the Dallas Mavericks have fallen apart in recent weeks has been likened to the infamous ‘Curse Of The Bambino‘, with the team somehow plagued by their decision to trade away Luka Doncic.
The decision made by the Mavs shocked the league, angering their own fans, and shortening their own window for success.
The team has fallen apart since with injuries, the team decimated to the point where the team are wondering whether they can put a full roster out for their next game.
Former NBA star Tim Hardaway Sr has offered his view on the Luka Doncic trade, and the decision made by the Dallas Mavericks.
General Manager Nico Harrison has been seen as the driving force behind the trade, attracting heavy criticism amid fan backlash.
Hardaway does not believe Harrison was the key factor in the trade, also absolving coach Jason Kidd of blame – instead he points the finger at ownership and governor Patrick Dumont.
He told Run It Back: “I think Jason Kidd was surprised. I don’t think it was a Jason Kidd, the GM Nico Harrison or Michael Finley decision. I think this was just strictly the owner’s decision.
“And I think what we gonna find out down the line, it’s a business decision on their part, which is messed up for the Dallas fans.”
Hardaway is hinting at a well-discussed theory the Mavericks ownership could be tanking their own franchise to force a future move to Las Vegas.
Dumont has denied this, quoted via the Dallas Morning News in February, “That is the answer unequivocally. The Dallas Mavericks are the Dallas Mavericks, and they will be in Dallas.”
The Dallas Mavericks are fifth in the Western Conference, but sinking quickly. They have lost five consecutive games.
Hardaway Sr is happy for the Mavs to slide down the rankings, and put all their efforts into next season, where he believes they can get back on track.
“I don’t want to be in a Play-In game this year, you know, let’s just shut everybody down for the rest of the season and everybody come back new, fresh, ready to play, 100 per cent.
“Even though they not gonna have Kyrie, probably, half of the season next year. They can make do until he comes back. I think they’ll be alright next season.”
