The Dallas Mavericks might be in an interesting phase, as they recently improved to a 24-50 record with a win against the Portland Trail Blazers. Coach Jason Kidd has been making some strategic adjustments to his rotation since the All-Star break, especially after the team was eliminated from playoff contention.
The big shift? Kidd is now more open to giving two-way players and younger talents a shot over seasoned veterans, who might offer a better chance at immediate victories.
Fans have been vocal since the trade deadline, urging Kidd to give players like AJ Johnson more significant roles. This move not only aligns with the strategy of increasing their draft lottery odds but also provides these young players a chance to develop their skills in real game situations before the offseason hits.
Dallas hasn't officially declared a tanking strategy, but the signs are there. Despite their recent win on the road in Portland, Kidd has acknowledged his newfound willingness to feature younger players more prominently.
Previously, fans criticized Kidd for not including players like Johnson and Tyler Smith in the rotation when it was clear the team needed to embrace a rebuilding phase. Now, it seems Kidd is shifting focus from short-term wins to long-term development.
The Mavericks have been "ethically tanking," keeping games competitive by playing starters regular minutes and either clinching last-minute wins or losing tight contests. However, to truly secure their position in the draft lottery, Dallas needs to lean more into developing an inexperienced roster and accepting more losses.
Kidd's reluctance to fully commit to tanking has been evident, but injecting players like Johnson, Smith, and John Poulakidas into the mix is a straightforward way to show commitment to the future. The goal is clear: pair Cooper Flagg with a potential star by strategically losing a few more games during his rookie season.
Whether Kidd will continue prioritizing young talent over veterans like Klay Thompson or Khris Middleton remains to be seen, but recent trends suggest a shift is underway. By featuring lineups with Flagg, Ryan Nembhard, and other young prospects, the Mavericks could be inching closer to achieving their draft night aspirations.