03-01-2025, 06:33 AM
So, I did some soul-searching after my identity crisis as a Mavs fan, and my heart decided to stay on board. I don't know how you guys handled it, but after the Luka news broke, I came here to read everything, grieve, and make sense of it. However, I didn’t watch any games because I just couldn’t, and I also didn’t know if I could or would continue watching the NBA altogether.
But the other day, I had a day off and spent it rewatching all the games I missed (mostly opening coverage and the 4th quarters). And like I said, I realized I’m still invested in this organization and want them to succeed.
With two caveats:
1) Not only did they make a piss-poor trade overall, but the way they handled it and the aftermath (that kill-me-now cringe press conference, throwing fat Luka under the bus, kicking people out of the arena… the list goes on) was, and still is, embarrassing and will hurt this organization for a LONG time. I will not forget.
2) I wanted Luka to drop 60 on us, and I smiled every time he went at the Mavericks' bench. Luka is a killer, and we did him dirty—no matter how fat or out of shape he was. I want him to destroy the Mavs every time from now on—except in big games, obviously.
But why am I still invested, you may ask? It’s not just laziness or sticking to what I know. I’ve come to love the Mavs over the last 20 years, and I’ll have to ride it out till the end. PLUS, although I would probably punch Nico if I ever met him, I believe in his vision for this team. Even short-handed, they are playing gritty basketball, and more often than not, it’s solid, team-oriented play. If Davis were healthy right now, we'd be a lock for one of the top five seeds, I think. Not to mention all the other injuries.
Alas, missing Davis will be our main concern moving forward—and the final reason why this trade was, and always will be, a mistake. I just hope we get to hang one banner for the price of this whole shitshow when everything finally comes together next year.
Some observations regarding players:
Kyrie has been amazing, and I think he was on board with trading Luka. He leads by example, and if we don’t kill him by playing him 40+ minutes, he’ll stick around with AD for the next couple of years. If they stay healthy, they’ll form a formidable duo, and we’ll be dangerous.
IF AD comes back (and we get healthy overall), as crazy as it sounds, this team could be extremely dangerous in the playoffs. So I haven’t given up all hope for a miracle just yet. But health is always a big ask for this team (AD and Lively show it time and time again), so it’s very unlikely that this season gets salvaged.
Exum has been a pleasant surprise. I almost forgot about him, but his defense is amazing, and it feels like he has worked on his overall game—even his left hand. He could be a very important piece for us moving forward because he brings exactly what Kyrie lacks: defense, size, and different playmaking abilities.
Christie has been fantastic, and I truly believe in him as a legit two-way player in this league. I even see All-Star potential (yes, I said it!).
Hardy has had his chances. His confidence is shot, which is why he looks worse than ever. But come on, man, you’re not 18 anymore. The guy just doesn’t have it. I don’t want to see him playing anymore.
O-Max—I’m almost done with him, too. I don’t see any development. He still runs around like a headless chicken, has no touch whatsoever, and NO body control. Even on simple rebounds, he almost falls down every time he jumps or moves. I like the kid, and I see his defensive potential, but the rest is SO raw. I don’t think this is fixable—it’s just a waste of a roster spot.
Klay has stepped up since the trade, and I think that shows he also had his issues with Luka. If he didn’t, he would have quit on this team. I mean, if the narrative was true that he came here only for Luka and wasn’t on board with trading him, he should be outrageously devastated right now—but he’s not.
But the other day, I had a day off and spent it rewatching all the games I missed (mostly opening coverage and the 4th quarters). And like I said, I realized I’m still invested in this organization and want them to succeed.
With two caveats:
1) Not only did they make a piss-poor trade overall, but the way they handled it and the aftermath (that kill-me-now cringe press conference, throwing fat Luka under the bus, kicking people out of the arena… the list goes on) was, and still is, embarrassing and will hurt this organization for a LONG time. I will not forget.
2) I wanted Luka to drop 60 on us, and I smiled every time he went at the Mavericks' bench. Luka is a killer, and we did him dirty—no matter how fat or out of shape he was. I want him to destroy the Mavs every time from now on—except in big games, obviously.
But why am I still invested, you may ask? It’s not just laziness or sticking to what I know. I’ve come to love the Mavs over the last 20 years, and I’ll have to ride it out till the end. PLUS, although I would probably punch Nico if I ever met him, I believe in his vision for this team. Even short-handed, they are playing gritty basketball, and more often than not, it’s solid, team-oriented play. If Davis were healthy right now, we'd be a lock for one of the top five seeds, I think. Not to mention all the other injuries.
Alas, missing Davis will be our main concern moving forward—and the final reason why this trade was, and always will be, a mistake. I just hope we get to hang one banner for the price of this whole shitshow when everything finally comes together next year.
Some observations regarding players:
Kyrie has been amazing, and I think he was on board with trading Luka. He leads by example, and if we don’t kill him by playing him 40+ minutes, he’ll stick around with AD for the next couple of years. If they stay healthy, they’ll form a formidable duo, and we’ll be dangerous.
IF AD comes back (and we get healthy overall), as crazy as it sounds, this team could be extremely dangerous in the playoffs. So I haven’t given up all hope for a miracle just yet. But health is always a big ask for this team (AD and Lively show it time and time again), so it’s very unlikely that this season gets salvaged.
Exum has been a pleasant surprise. I almost forgot about him, but his defense is amazing, and it feels like he has worked on his overall game—even his left hand. He could be a very important piece for us moving forward because he brings exactly what Kyrie lacks: defense, size, and different playmaking abilities.
Christie has been fantastic, and I truly believe in him as a legit two-way player in this league. I even see All-Star potential (yes, I said it!).
Hardy has had his chances. His confidence is shot, which is why he looks worse than ever. But come on, man, you’re not 18 anymore. The guy just doesn’t have it. I don’t want to see him playing anymore.
O-Max—I’m almost done with him, too. I don’t see any development. He still runs around like a headless chicken, has no touch whatsoever, and NO body control. Even on simple rebounds, he almost falls down every time he jumps or moves. I like the kid, and I see his defensive potential, but the rest is SO raw. I don’t think this is fixable—it’s just a waste of a roster spot.
Klay has stepped up since the trade, and I think that shows he also had his issues with Luka. If he didn’t, he would have quit on this team. I mean, if the narrative was true that he came here only for Luka and wasn’t on board with trading him, he should be outrageously devastated right now—but he’s not.
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