Stephen A. Smith calls out the Dallas Mavericks for being unable to build an efficient supporting cast around superstar Luka Doncic.
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The 2021-22 off-season has been a roller-coaster ride so far, with franchises going to lengths to ensure they have a competitive roaster. However, this doesn’t seem to be the case in Dallas.
Though the team did make some prominent changes in their front office and coaching staff, they have been unable to upgrade their roster from last season. Considering the fact they had two back-to-back early-round exits in their last 2 playoff appearances.
Recently, the Mavericks signed their blue-eyed boy Luka Doncic to a 5-year $207M deal, making him the face of their franchise.
After becoming the youngest player in NBA history to average 35 PPG in a single postseason, Luka Doncic becomes the youngest player in NBA history to receive a $200M contract.
He won’t turn 23 until February. pic.twitter.com/TuOlX0MBO8
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) August 9, 2021
The hiring of new GM Nico Harrison and head coach Jason Kidd has been a great acquisition. However, the front office has been unable to add star power alongside Luka Doncic.
During a recent episode of ESPN’s First Take, Stephen A. Smith couldn’t help but question the Mark Cuban franchise’s inability to land free agents.
Stephen A. Smith calls out Dallas for not surrounding Luka Doncic with enough talent this offseason
Smith seemed rather flabbergasted by the fact that the Mavericks have been unable to attract free agents in so many years.
“If you’re in the city of Dallas and you’re Mark Cuban and these guys, it’s like wait a minute here, Woah, Woah. I know what a great sports town it is. I know what a great fanbase they have.” said Smith.
He further added,
“It’s a great city, it’s a great state, no income tax. It’s a metropolis. So when you look at what they have going on, there’s really no excuse why you haven’t been able to get a free agent in a decade. There really isn’t.”
.@stephenasmith wants to know why the Mavs haven’t been able to sign a free agent to play alongside Luka 🧐 pic.twitter.com/hsv73xamlL
— First Take (@FirstTake) August 10, 2021
Smith makes some valid points as there is no denying that the city has everything going for them. They have a player-friendly owner, a superstar in the making, and tax benefits. Thus it comes as a surprise they haven’t been able to land any noticeable free agents in the past.
The league is no more about the bonafide superstar carrying his team to a championship. It’s the era of the Big 3, case in point being the Brooklyn Nets and the LA Lakers.