By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Gambling on Kyrie Irving can be considered a questionable decision for the Dallas Mavericks. However, it certainly provides enormous help for Luka Doncic in the hunt for an extended run in the Playoffs.
Team owner Mark Cuban commented on the deal yet to become official.
“I think this is going to be great for both of them,” he told Basketball News, “They can play off of each other and given that both can get where they want on the court, it’s going to put a ton of pressure on defenses.”
The Mavs reportedly received Markieff Morris along with the centerpiece of the blockbuster trade in Irving. In compensation to the Brooklyn Nets, they parted ways with Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith packed with an unprotected first-round pick in the 2029 NBA draft and two second-round picks in the 2027 to 2029 drafts.
Luka Doncic plus Kyrie Irving
Certainly an upgrade to the roster with an All-Star addition alongside the Slovenian superstar. After being knocked out by the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the 2020 and 2021 Playoffs, the Mavericks made it all the way to the 2022 Western Conference Finals before falling to the Golden State Warriors in five games. Doncic and Irving together seem like a risky bet for a potential next step in the 2023 Playoffs.
Doncic, 23, is averaging 33.4 points per game behind 50.4% from the field over 47 appearances in the 2022-23 Regular Season. Also tallying 8.9 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.5 blocks per contest.
Irving, 30, made his way to 40 games with the Nets producing 27.1 points, 5.3 assists, 5.1 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 0.8 blocks per appearance.
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