Mavericks ownership uneasy amid 3-7 start and mounting negativity
mavericks-ownership-uneasy-amid-3-7-start
Dallas Mavericks ownership is reportedly growing increasingly concerned about the constant swirl of negativity surrounding the team’s 3-7 opening to the season, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line.
Stein noted that the contrast with Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers, who have begun 7-3, has not gone unnoticed inside the organization.
Through 10 games, Dallas ranks last in both points per game and offensive rating and sits 25th in net rating. The club’s defense has kept it competitive, standing seventh in points allowed and fourth in defensive rating.
Injuries and lineup changes have compounded the problems. Guard Kyrie Irving is sidelined by an ACL tear, while forward Anthony Davis has already missed time and has appeared in just five games this year—14 overall since last season’s blockbuster trade that sent Doncic to Los Angeles. Veteran guard Klay Thompson has been moved to the bench in favor of D’Angelo Russell.
Rookie forward Cooper Flagg, the No. 2 pick out of Duke, is averaging 13.9 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists, but his production has not been enough to offset the offensive struggles.
The team’s rocky start has intensified scrutiny on general manager Nico Harrison, who has two seasons left on his contract. League sources told The Stein Line that some around the NBA are questioning whether Harrison will finish the year in his current role. At recent home games, fans chanting “Fire Nico!” or holding similar signs have been removed by arena security.
The Mavericks will try to quiet the turmoil when they host the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday.
Source: Hoops Wire
