The Dallas Mavericks punting on the playoffs is tanking at its worst

The Dallas Mavericks’ rollercoaster season took an surprising activate Wednesday. The workforce entered its recreation in opposition to the Chicago Bulls in want of a win to make it into the play-in. As a substitute of making ready for a must-win recreation that would prolong their season, they selected to blatantly tank.

So as to add insult to harm, Luka Doncic solely performed the primary quarter of their loss to the Bulls. That loss ended their season however possible preserved their lottery choose, which was slated to go to the Knicks had they completed with the eleventh worst file as a substitute of the tenth.

The Mavericks selecting their lottery choose over a shot at making the playoffs is a nasty look.

In some methods, it is smart; the Mavericks confronted an uphill battle to make the Western Convention Finals once more, however not even making an attempt is a nasty look. After all, the Mavericks didn’t expect to be in this position after buying and selling for Kyrie Irving, however a top-10 choose is a superb asset and a comfort prize for not making the postseason. That possible gained’t console Luka Doncic, who had been extra vocal concerning the workforce constructing round him this season.

I’m unsure a lottery choose is what he had in thoughts. Dallas’ entrance workplace absolutely needed to clarify to him the advantages of punting on their season, however they most likely infuriated their fanbase within the course of. That’s to not point out the NBA, which could have two fewer superstars to market come playoff time. It might be one factor if the Charlotte Hornets did this, however not a workforce with a top-5 participant and one other high-profile star.

It’s totally different, and it’ll possible reignite talks about load administration and tanking. All could possibly be forgiven if Dallas has a powerful offseason and retools round Doncic and, presumably, Irving, who will likely be a free agent. Sadly, they don’t have lots to work with after a number of trades that depleted their draft haul and made it more durable to improve their roster.

We’ll need to see what the offseason holds for the Mavs. No matter they do, it might want to impress Doncic or risk having him demand a trade sooner quite than later.