The Dallas Mavericks might miss the play-in tournament after their recent loss, sitting a full game behind the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 10th spot. Despite adding Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks have struggled, losing 9 of their last 12 games. And according to Jamal Crawford, the main problem was their decision in the offseason.
“The Mavericks’ problems started in the summer. When Jalen Brunson left, that team lost their identity. He was somebody that Luka respected. He’s also somebody who could get it done and play with him as well. When they lost him, they kinda lost their way,” Crawford said.
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Jalen Brunson has been a revelation since becoming the primary ball-handler for the New York Knicks. Many felt that he should have made the All-Star team this season, and he has led them to an automatic playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Losing Brunson in free agency seems to have been a massive issue for the Mavericks, with them having to then trade away two important players to bring in the production they lost when he left.
Luka Doncic has looked frustrated for a while for the Mavericks, and they have a lot to worry about, considering that the team looks poised to miss the postseason. While Brunson has been a big loss, the lack of defensive stalwarts on the roster, the failure to get a productive big man, and Jason Kidd’s failure to live up to the coaching standards he set himself have all factored into what has gone wrong for the Mavericks.
The Dallas Mavericks Could Have Signed Jalen Brunson To A 4-Year, $55 Million Extension In 2021
What makes the whole Jalen Brunson situation worse is that Dallas could have kept him on a stellar deal if they had made him an offer in 2021. Brunson was eligible for an extension worth $55 million over 4 years, but the Mavericks chose not to offer it to him. After impressing in the playoffs last season, the Knicks lured him away with a 4-year deal worth well over $100 million.
Brunson has averaged 24 points and 6 assists per game this season, shooting nearly 42% from three-point range. He has had many huge games, leading the Knicks to a 45-33 record. At this point, even the contract he got from the Knicks seems like a value deal, making the extension Dallas never offered him seem even worse. The Mavericks hierarchy needs to get its act together quickly and put a functional team that can win consistently around Luka Doncic.
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