The Big Lead

Dallas Mavericks face unprecedented crisis amid injury woes

WATCH THE BIG LEAD PODCAST !

By John Robinson IV

Feb 10, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison walks off the court before the game between the Dallas and the Sacramento Kings at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Feb 10, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison walks off the court before the game between the Dallas and the Sacramento Kings at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
facebooktwitter

The Dallas Mavericks are facing one of the most disastrous stretches in franchise history, with a string of injuries leaving them unable to field a full roster. Reports have surfaced that the team may be forced to forfeit games due to a lack of available players, an unprecedented situation for an NBA team that was once looked at as an contender in the Western conference.

The Mavericks' injury list reads like a who's who of key contributors. Jaden Hardy, Kai Jones, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Lively II are all sidelined. The biggest blow came when star guard Kyrie Irving suffered a season-ending torn ACL. The situation worsened when newly acquired Anthony Davis—traded in a shocking deal for Luka Dončić—went down early, leaving Dallas in complete disarray.

This season began with championship aspirations, particularly after the controversial blockbuster trade that sent Dončić to the Lakers in exchange for Davis. However, the gamble appears to have backfired spectacularly. With their depleted roster, the Mavericks have struggled to compete, leading to frustration within the organization and among fans. Even head coach Jason Kidd admitted in a press conference that he had no available substitutes at one point during a game.

Adding to the turmoil, general manager Nico Harrison faces mounting criticism, with fans calling for his dismissal. Once viewed as a win-now move, the Dončić-for-Davis trade has instead left the Mavericks in limbo, potentially setting the franchise back years. Unless reinforcements arrive soon, Dallas risks becoming one of the NBA’s biggest disappointments of the season.

Related: Watch more TBL Here