Through 27 games, the Mavericks have a 7-20 record, which is identical to the team’s mark through its first 27 games a year ago. Last season’s Mavs played nearly .500 ball the rest of the way, finishing 33-49, but owner Mark Cuban believes this year’s squad is better positioned going forward, as Eddie Sefko of The Dallas Morning News details.
“[We’re] not where we want to be, but there’s a light at the end of the tunnel and it’s not a train,” Cuban said on Sunday. “We’re playing better. It’s sort of like where the T-Wolves (Sunday’s opponent) were last year. We’re competitive. We’re getting leads against good teams. We just haven’t figured out how to close out games. We’ve come a long way.”
The Mavs have dealt with some injury issues so far this season, and Cuban pointed to the club’s tough schedule as another reason why Dallas has won just seven games. Despite the underwhelming on-court results, Cuban is staying positive: “As our young guys get older, they’ll learn. It’s not like anybody’s regressing.”
Here’s more on the Mavs:
- As Sefko writes, Cuban’s comments on the state of the Mavs included a nod to the fans that want to see the team continue losing in order to get a top pick in the 2018 draft. “For fans that want to see us get better, the opportunity is going to be there,” Cuban said. “For fans that want Team Tank to get a draft pick, the league is a lot more balanced this year in both conferences.”
- Head coach Rick Carlisle said last month that there wouldn’t be an update on Seth Curry‘s health until December 11. So what’s today’s update? Curry will remain sidelined for at least another week, per Carlisle (Twitter link via Earl K. Sneed of Mavs.com).
- Carlisle also addressed Dennis Smith Jr.‘s left hip strain, suggesting that getting the rookie point guard back to 100% is the Mavs’ “No. 1 priority (Twitter links via Sneed). Smith will miss Tuesday’s game against San Antonio and there’s currently no timetable for his return.
The future is bright in Dallas
I respectfully disagree. Look at their roster, what they got?
They have a couple guards and Harrison Barnes is so so in my opinion. He’s a 15 and 7 guy that can’t make a big shot in the 4th quarter and really is not a creator like a star should be.
Who else they got? Dirk is going to retire after next year. Nerlens Noel ain’t much. There’s nobody up front and nobody on the wing.
In the Western Conference, the future is not bright for Dallas. They’re going nowhere in the next four seasons.
Mark my words…. I haven’t been wrong about anything yet LOL.
Plus, they are nowhere near what Minnesota was last year. Minnesota is stacked with high draft picks in key positions big man wing and nice guards. The Wolves even have a great coach. Bad comparison. The wolves are on their way up Dallas is stuck in 40 win land.
Speaking as a Wolves fan, I would trade Thibodeau for Carlisle immediately, no takebacks.
Agreed.. Finally..
Who wouldn’t
Mavs need to tank this year and get a lottery pick