DALLAS, TEXAS — The Mavericks are close to two weeks removed from being eliminated from the 2021 NBA playoffs and have only unravelled at the seams since then. Entering the offseason the concerns were low and there were few questions regarding what the team would do in the coaching department and with its personnel, but surprisingly the organization made a drastic change in stance.
It was reported earlier this month that the Mavericks expected to sign Luka Doncic to a supermax deal this summer to extend his stay in Dallas, but that news was quickly followed by “Luka may not be happy in Dallas” rumors. Since then multiple layers have been peeled back.
The first domino fell on Wednesday when the Mavericks announced longtime general manager Donnie Nelson had agreed to mutually part ways and the second domino fell on Thursday when Rick Carlisle who has coached the Mavericks for 13 seasons decided to step down.
That definitely checks the “difficult offseason” box, but will this be a rebuild or reload?
The Mavericks had their share of ebbs and flows throughout the regular season and there should be several questions surrounding their depth, but wholesale changes? I think not.
What should be on the Mavericks priority list is figuring out what they have talent wise outside of Luka Doncic and if they should clear the decks where the roster is concerned. There are a few players that Dallas should consider retaining, but for the most part the challenge will be finding a dynamic wing player that can be a compliment to Luka and his high productivity level.
Who will be the coach and the general manager that will get the Mavericks over the first round hump? Who will be a part of the decision making and evaluation process? All that is still to be determined, but Mark Cuban will need those roles to be filled by candidates that have the experience and NBA pedigree that will win over Luka Doncic and gain his buy-in.
The road got bumpier before the trip even started but it will be interesting to see how the Mavericks in a sense start from scratch with a new philosophy and culture before the next NBA season tips off, but still have plenty of time to do so while they wait like the rest of us for this season’s conclusion.
