{"id":641407,"date":"2025-11-09T21:16:35","date_gmt":"2025-11-09T20:16:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/en\/?p=641407"},"modified":"2025-11-09T21:16:41","modified_gmt":"2025-11-09T20:16:41","slug":"dallas-mavericks-hype-crash-preseason-overrating-exposed-by-irving-acl-tear-doncic-trade","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/en\/dallas-mavericks-hype-crash-preseason-overrating-exposed-by-irving-acl-tear-doncic-trade\/","title":{"rendered":"Dallas Mavericks Hype Crash – Preseason Overrating Exposed by Irving’s ACL Tear and Doncic’s Trade"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Dallas Mavericks<\/a>, prior the 2025-26 season, had huge expectations by acquiring 2025’s No.1 overall pick in Cooper Flagg. With Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, Cooper Flagg, Klay Thompson, and Derek Lively, a trip to the NBA Finals was the bare minimum expectation. However, in a reality vs fantasy contest, reality is always different and at most times, it’s bad. The Mavericks are now off to a very slow start with a 3-7 record in their first 10 games. They are 14th in the Western Conference and are only a game ahead of the Pelicans from the last spot. <\/p>

So what went wrong for the Dallas Mavericks, and why are at the bottom of the Western Conference Standings despite all the talent they possess? Let’s find out. <\/p>

Luka Doncic Trade Has Hurt the Dallas Mavericks<\/h2>

Earlier in 2025, the Dallas Mavericks<\/a> traded away Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers. This trade shocked the world as nobody saw it coming. While the sample size is small so far, for these two players with their new teams, one thing is clear; this trade was most likely a mistake.<\/p>

Yes, Anthony Davis is an all-world basketball talent and he is one of the best players in the league at both ends of the court, but he just cannot stay healthy, despite what he does in the offseason. Davis’ injury history has been constant throughout his career and Davis has missed many games already, including 2024-25 season. The Mavericks traded Luka Doncic away, according to their GM Nico Harrison, for better defense and “to win a championship,”<\/em><\/strong> as Harrison put it. However, the Mavs haven’t been healthy and the what if scenarios, are still just that. <\/p>

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A post shared by Statline – NBA | Basketball News (@statline)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>