Once Kyrie went down with the ACL injury, the smartest move for this season became pretty clear. Even if he does return later on, this year is going to be a tune-up year. Kyrie is unbelievable in so many ways, but the first season back from an ACL injury always comes with inconsistency, reduced explosiveness at times, and a lot of caution. I get the optimism that comes with being a fan, but the realistic view has to factor in recovery timelines.
You also have to consider what's happening in OKC and San Antonio. There was talk that Dallas moved Luka partly because the window to realistically chase a title was within the next 2–3 years—BEFORE OKC and SA take over the West with their stockpile of young generational talent and draft capital. OKC winning a title last year and Wemby elevating himself to top-5 player territory only makes the challenge more difficult. Given that context, the best path forward for Dallas is to lean into the rebuild this season, secure more lottery talent, and then push all-in next year when both AD and Kyrie are fully healthy and back to form.
In an ideal situation, the Mavs lose 60 games and land a top 3 pick--and the good news is they seem to be on track.
You also have to consider what's happening in OKC and San Antonio. There was talk that Dallas moved Luka partly because the window to realistically chase a title was within the next 2–3 years—BEFORE OKC and SA take over the West with their stockpile of young generational talent and draft capital. OKC winning a title last year and Wemby elevating himself to top-5 player territory only makes the challenge more difficult. Given that context, the best path forward for Dallas is to lean into the rebuild this season, secure more lottery talent, and then push all-in next year when both AD and Kyrie are fully healthy and back to form.
In an ideal situation, the Mavs lose 60 games and land a top 3 pick--and the good news is they seem to be on track.
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