The reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, will have fierce competition next season. Many teams in the Western Conference revamped their roster to take the next step. For example, the Houston Rockets traded for Kevin Durant, the Denver Nuggets acquired Cam Johnson, and the LA Clippers signed Bradley Beal and Chris Paul. The Dallas Mavericks are no different.
The Mavs drafted Duke phenom Cooper Flagg to pair alongside Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. It's a move that could take Dallas to the next level, as the Mavs are expected to be a top-tier competitor in the West. The newly developed trio could make Nico Harrison's championship window come true with their high expectations. However, there is a flaw in the Mavericks and their path back to being a top team: Kyrie Irving.
Last month, Dallas signed Irving to a three-year, $119 million contract extension. It was a no-brainer move, as the Mavs desperately needed a guard of Irving's caliber. It was also a risk Dallas took, though. Irving tore his ACL back in March and isn't expected to be back until the middle of next season. So, the team's plan to be competitive hinges on Irving's status.
Mavericks are betting on an unknown Kyrie Irving reality
The Mavericks have no timetable for Irving's return, as his return could derail the team's championship window. His status could make or break the season. Earlier this month, Irving spoke about his return on Twitch. He responded to a question regarding his return for the playoffs. Irving's response had fans uneasy. Irving stated, "Don't hold your breath on that," and "I just want to be back 150,000 percent better.
Irving's response is something fans may not want to hear. Basically, if Irving doesn't return on time or to his old form, then the team could be in trouble. The only way for the team to be true contenders is if Irving returns on time and to his old self. Yet, there is no guarantee Irving will ever be the same. Just ask Derrick Rose; a brutal injury can change your whole career.
Dallas has failed to realize the statement above. Recently, a spokesperson from the front office expressed optimism for the team's upcoming season. He quoted that Dallas is "in a good position to have a great team moving forward." However, it was the latter half of the quote that gave fans false hope.
The executive explained that "with better health," Dallas will be near the top of the West come playoff time. This is a bold statement from the team, as there are many uncertainties. The main one, though, is Irving. As mentioned, Irving could be out for an extended period. The Mavs would need him to be back by the playoffs and at his old self if they were to make a deep playoff run.
So, Dallas' plan to be elite contenders all hinges on Irving. It is a fatal flaw that the team has yet to recognize. They will have to rely on Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg to carry the load. This is a problematic situation itself.
If you recall, last season, Davis struggled to stay on the court. He missed a ton of time, as injuries took a toll. He, too, would need to be near 100 percent if the team hopes to have a fighting chance. Plus, you can't forget Flagg. While he could become a generational star, he is still a rookie who has plenty to learn. It's a lot of pressure for players who face uncertainty.
Plus, Irving's replacement, D'Angelo Russell, is untrustworthy. He is a one-time all-star who has shown promise in the past, but has shown flashes of being inconsistent. Russell sometimes underperforms in big situations. Last season, he averaged a career low in points per game with the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets. Dallas would need him to regain his old form if they hope to stay competitive while Irving is out.
Yet, Russell's production won't matter if Irving doesn't return to his old form. If Irving can show flashes of his 2024 playoff run, then the Mavs' front office could be right about their statement. Assuming the opposite happens, Dallas could be in for a long 2025-26 season.
So, patience will be important.
The rest of the squad must hold the fort down while Irving is gone for things to work well. Not to mention, Irving will need to return to his old self. Otherwise, the team's championship hopes have a major flaw that must bring fans back down to earth.
