2020-2021 Dallas Mavericks Will Miss The Playoffs

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Never forget going 0-4 to start the 06/07 season, and the subsequently ending the year off going 67-11.

Then to only be beatdown by the "We Believe" Warriors, so it's all academic.

[Luka_Magic]

Is this an influx of salty rockets fans corrupting our board or what?

Mods please lock and delete thread

[audiosway]

I wrote something similar to what Clutch said on page one tonight in the game thread. I fully expect them to start 0-3. Tons of change leading into the season with last year and this year being weird seasons. Basically no training camp. No offseason weight program. Etc etc.

Not to mention the lineup additions. It's going to take some games before they start coming around. I fully expected this. However, I'm totally not shocked that fans immediately came on here ready to blow it up.  lol

[KillerLeft]

They’re going to make the playoffs.

Luka will get into rhythm, eventually. Carlisle will figure out how to best use the talent available to him. KP will come back and contribute what he can for as long as he can.

But, I do think expectations for this team are too high. All off-season, I read about how, with Luka and KP in place, all the team needed was to surround them with defenders. I categorically reject this logic. I think the team is levels below that status. 

Josh Richardson was a step in the right direction, because he’s a two-way player. I think he’ll fit in well. But, THJ working well here last year offensively was HUGE, and drastically slept on. Powell’s early season contributions were similarly overlooked. The entire offense was built around him. Well, we’re currently seeing what the offense looks like with A) no KP, B) no Curry, C) Powell and Luka not working together (for whatever reason you think is causing that) and D) THJ trying to fill a void on offense by doing things for which he is ill-suited.

And, while we see signs at times that they’re more focused on defense, we’re also seeing that changing the RESULTS on that end is easier said than done. It’s going to take time. Multiple seasons, probably.

This team is what it is, imo. They have a toehold in the top 8 for the western conference (that’s saying something). I have faith that they’ll maintain and build on that, but it’s possible they’ll backslide and miss the playoffs (again, I don’t believe that will happen). Even in the best of possible outcomes for this season, however, I just don’t see how they are even in the same class as either LA team, BRK, Boston, Miami, etc. 

The Mavericks’ best player is 21. He is GREAT, but obviously still learning. The rest of the team is pretty young, too, and while I’m quite sure someone will chime in with “27 isn’t young”, what matters is NBA playoff experience. The reality is that overall, this team is a YOUNG team, trying to find their path.

Some of you should really consider trying to enjoy the ride instead of pulling your hair out at every bump in the road. There will be many, many more.

[ItsGoTime]

I really don't think this thread is gonna age well.

[StepBackJay]

I agree with KL but I do think things could be up and down until KP gets back. The offense doesn't look quite as crisp. Even with the insane game they had yesterday a lot of that was Mavs getting hot shooting and the Clippers taking the day off. Too many guys are hunting for their own shot. Powell still doesn't look right. It's still early so I am not too worried but I am waiting for a game where the passing looks really good and it's not a bunch of guys standing around waiting for their "turn" to shoot.

[embellisher]

Reported by the Associated Press circa April 2021. . .

If Carlisle continues to run the same old **** from last season. Mark my words, without a significant KP presence, Luka's inability to improve his 3PT shot (and weight management), and other teams vastly improving. . . Carlisle will have nowhere to hide and guide our beloved Mavs to the lottery, or should I say the gift the Knicks with an early Christmas present. 


10 less games to cover ground, tight Western Conference, I smell trouble.

0/10 tbh

[audiosway]

They’re going to make the playoffs.

Luka will get into rhythm, eventually. Carlisle will figure out how to best use the talent available to him. KP will come back and contribute what he can for as long as he can.

But, I do think expectations for this team are too high. All off-season, I read about how, with Luka and KP in place, all the team needed was to surround them with defenders. I categorically reject this logic. I think the team is levels below that status. 

Josh Richardson was a step in the right direction, because he’s a two-way player. I think he’ll fit in well. But, THJ working well here last year offensively was HUGE, and drastically slept on. Powell’s early season contributions were similarly overlooked. The entire offense was built around him. Well, we’re currently seeing what the offense looks like with A) no KP, B) no Curry, C) Powell and Luka not working together (for whatever reason you think is causing that) and D) THJ trying to fill a void on offense by doing things for which he is ill-suited.

And, while we see signs at times that they’re more focused on defense, we’re also seeing that changing the RESULTS on that end is easier said than done. It’s going to take time. Multiple seasons, probably.

This team is what it is, imo. They have a toehold in the top 8 for the western conference (that’s saying something). I have faith that they’ll maintain and build on that, but it’s possible they’ll backslide and miss the playoffs (again, I don’t believe that will happen). Even in the best of possible outcomes for this season, however, I just don’t see how they are even in the same class as either LA team, BRK, Boston, Miami, etc. 

The Mavericks’ best player is 21. He is GREAT, but obviously still learning. The rest of the team is pretty young, too, and while I’m quite sure someone will chime in with “27 isn’t young”, what matters is NBA playoff experience. The reality is that overall, this team is a YOUNG team, trying to find their path.

Some of you should really consider trying to enjoy the ride instead of pulling your hair out at every bump in the road. There will be many, many more.

You nailed it as usual. This team is VERY young. J Rich has only played for 5 years now. That's just hitting his prime. He was a 22 year old rook. And he is everything as advertised and then some so far. Great fit with Luka. He's is good off the ball and on it. His defense is very solid. And I'm actually surprised at the level of offense he came in with. I knew he could 3 ball. But, was surprised that he can initiate at times. Mavs got a steal with him. He is what Barnes was advertised to be.

Let's not pretend though that these guys are ready to contend for a title. They are young, they are learning. They will definitely have nights like the Clippers game but they will also have nights like the Lakers game too. Give them time to grow. They still have some pieces to work out I think. KP coming back will take a little more time to adjust. I hope he can stay healthy for the most part. Like KL said, enjoy the ride of this thing. For those of us who were there for Dirk in the early days there will be times when you are ready to celebrate and other times when you want to blow it up. Just grab an adult beverage and enjoy the ride. It's going to be fun.

But, this team is definitely building something for the very near future. Just not today. It will take time still.

[SwisherPrice]

For the first time this season and seeing how the league is going so far, I'm starting to think this is a possibility. This just might end up being a lost season due to the effects of Covid. Playing in empty arenas is the great equalizer...teams like the Hornets, Hawks, Kings, etc. are built for this type of season. They have young, athletic, deep rosters who can just play freely without any pressure of playing in road environments or in front of their own fans.

I'm not so sure the Mavs are built for this season...even with KP. This has always been a top-heavy roster reliant on Luka/KP and with a bunch of specialists and role players. You will see teams that have real depth like the Suns and Hornets take it to us.

[BigDirk41]

I've lost hope in a top 4 seed this season. Anywhere from 5-8 seed really wouldn't surprise me with how the Mavs have looked so far. Luka being out of shape has really hurt this team. His 3 point shot is suffering from being out of shape imo also. Shooting when you're exhausted all the time is very difficult. I'm disappointed in a lot so far, but there's more than enough time to fix it and turn it around. I do firmly believe that Luka needs to get his priorities right as far as his conditioning/ eating habits/ working out properly. It's kinda scary to me that a 21 year old has to "get in shape" in the first place. He should always be in shape, especially at 21 years old.

[Kammrath]

Luka being out of shape has really hurt this team. His 3 point shot is suffering from being out of shape imo also. Shooting when you're exhausted all the time is very difficult. I'm disappointed in a lot a far, but there's more than enough time to fix it and turn it around. I do firmly believe that Luka needs to get his priorities right as far as his conditioning/ eating habits/ working out properly. It's kinda scary to me that a 21 year old has to "get in shape" in the first place. He should always be in shape, especially at 21 years old.

Yes, I think everything cascades down from Luka being out of shape. Everything suffers when you carry extra bad weight and it is not like he had room to spare in his three point game.

And I also am terrified of him being out of shape at this age as well. He could completely derail his career arc if he doesn't get his diet under control.

[Scott41theMavs]

Luka being out of shape has really hurt this team. His 3 point shot is suffering from being out of shape imo also. Shooting when you're exhausted all the time is very difficult. I'm disappointed in a lot a far, but there's more than enough time to fix it and turn it around. I do firmly believe that Luka needs to get his priorities right as far as his conditioning/ eating habits/ working out properly. It's kinda scary to me that a 21 year old has to "get in shape" in the first place. He should always be in shape, especially at 21 years old.

Yes, I think everything cascades down from Luka being out of shape. Everything suffers when you carry extra bad weight and it is not like he had room to spare in his three point game.

And I also am terrified of him being out of shape at this age as well. He could completely derail his career arc if he doesn't get his diet under control.

Slovenia borders Italy. Maybe the man likes his pasta.

[omahen]

Just out of curiosity, did you guys watch the game? 5 missed three pointers were basically the only thing Luka didn't do right. Charlotte clogged the paint and Luka generated a ton of open looks for his teammates. Starters were 4-17 from three and if we add Burke they were 5-23. So what has Luka conditioning have to do with this? He was forcing those three pointers because literally nothing worked for Mavs. Just rewatch game a bit and see how Charlotte played defense. At least 4 players were in the paint on every drive. 

I say it again - how much is Luka out of shape is extremely overblown here.

[FunkBoreland]

Coach has to read the defensive scheme and adjust. You don't have to make Luka drive from half court, you could set him up on the sides for a postup. Teams are use to seeing him take it from the top, but not from the side courts. 

how much is Luka out of shape is extremely overblown here.

You could also argue Luka was less aggressive in Hornets game compare to the Clippers, where he wave off Powell/DFS screens. Today he played passive. 

https://twitter.com/CallieCaplan/status/...0608419840

[omahen]

You could also argue Luka was less aggressive in Hornets game compare to the Clippers, where he wave off Powell/DFS screens. Today he played passive. 

I am not sure what you mean. I think offense was good. Mavs had two problems:
- not hitting open looks
- not responding adequately when things didn't go their way. This can also be attributed to not being in shape.

Luka didn't have strength to carry everything once his teammates didn't deliver. He just quit on both ends.

[khaled1987]

I am not sure what you mean. I think offense was good. Mavs had two problems:
- not hitting open looks
- not responding adequately when things didn't go their way. This can also be attributed to not being in shape.

Luka didn't have strength to carry everything once his teammates didn't deliver. He just quit on both ends.

I don't think many here agree with this. 
Mavs were one dimensional, especially in 2nd half. When our 3's wasn't falling we didn't have anything else to do other than keep jacking 3's

[BigDirk41]

This may sound extreme, but the Mavs should probably consider shutting down Luka for 10-14 days and go all out on his conditioning. He's not coming around. He looks worse now than the first game. Until he gets in good shape cardio wise, this team is going to be in a bad spot. I'll also say this and it may not be popular, but KP is a better player than this version of Luka. This version of Luka still has great court vision, but is not very efficient with his own offense. He's shooting 9.5% from 3 in his 4 games. He'll come around and so will the team, but this is about as bad a start for the team and Luka individually as anyone could imagine.

[omahen]

Mavs were one dimensional, especially in 2nd half. When our 3's wasn't falling we didn't have anything else to do other than keep jacking 3's

Mavs shot 42 three pointers out of 87 shots total. Roughly 50 %. There were not many alternatives since most of Charlotte team was in the paint.

[khaled1987]

Mavs shot 42 three pointers out of 87 shots total. Roughly 50 %. There were not many alternatives since most of Charlotte team was in the paint.

How many of the other 45 shots was really open looks? Going by eye test there weren't many and that is the problem IMO.
Though, I would like to know if states prove me wrong

[KillerLeft]

Though, I would like to know if states prove me wrong

I, too, am intrigued by what Pennsylvania and Delaware have to say about this.