Mavericks Eliminated from NBA Playoffs, Shift to Protect Future Draft Pick After Disappointing Season

Image Source sports.yahoo.com

The Dallas Mavericks recently made a decision to sit six of their key players, including Kyrie Irving and Luka Dončić, for almost three quarters of their game against the Chicago Bulls. The move was made to prioritize the future of the franchise and protect their first-round draft pick, which will only remain theirs if it falls within the top 10. Missing the playoffs can help them achieve that goal. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd emphasized the importance of protecting the draft pick, stating that "if they are in this to win championships, doing everything possible to keep that draft pick is the No. 1 priority."

Kidd also mentioned that the Mavericks' decision was not waving the white flag, but rather a hard decision to make in the business of basketball. The organization trusts Governor Mark Cuban and General Manager Nico Harrison to put the pieces together to build a championship team, which starts with protecting their first-round draft pick. The decision was made much earlier and can be traced back to the bad losses they had to teams they felt they should have beaten in November, December, and January, as well as their eight losses in the last 10 games in the past three weeks.

The Mavericks' decision to sit their key players was not just about protecting the draft pick but also about prioritizing the health of their players. Sitting out Irving (right foot), Tim Hardaway Jr. (left ankle), Maxi Kleber (right hamstring), Josh Green (rest), and Christian Wood (rest) was necessary to ensure that the players are protected and ready for the next season.

The decision to sit Dončić, however, was different. Dončić was shelved after playing only one quarter and one possession in the second quarter on “I Feel Slovenia Night” at American Airlines Center. Kidd said that Dončić's availability was a result of his desire to play and the numerous Slovenians who were at the game. However, the organization had to limit his playing time to protect him for the next season.

The Mavericks' decision is not new in the basketball world. Many teams have made similar decisions in the past to prioritize their future and protect their players. The Mavericks' decision to sit their key players may have disappointed their fans, but it was a necessary move to ensure the future of the franchise.

Coach Kidd said that changes will be coming, as they do every offseason. However, this year, the changes will be coming earlier than expected. The Mavericks were disappointed with the way the season turned out since acquiring Irving before the February trade deadline. They entered Friday's game with a 9-16 record since Irving's first game at the Los Angeles Clippers on Feb. 8.

In conclusion, the Mavericks' decision to sit their key players was a necessary move to protect their first-round draft pick and prioritize the health of their players. The decision was made much earlier and was not just about waving the white flag. The organization trusts Governor Mark Cuban and General Manager Nico Harrison to put the pieces together to build a championship team, starting with protecting their first-round draft pick.