Dallas Mavericks Stuck in Limbo as Injuries, Trade Rumors Cloud Season Outlook
The Dallas Mavericks are in a holding pattern right now - and not the good kind. With injuries piling up, trade rumors swirling around Anthony Davis, and inconsistent performances on the court, the team’s season has started to feel more like a waiting game than a playoff push.
The trade deadline can’t come soon enough. Whatever direction the front office chooses - whether it’s doubling down on the current core or pivoting toward a youth movement and the upcoming draft - clarity is needed.
And soon.
But even in the midst of all the chaos, there are still moments worth holding onto. Rookie forward Cooper Flagg has shown flashes of the brilliance that made him one of the most hyped prospects in years.
He’s currently dealing with an ankle injury, but when he’s been on the floor, his poise and skill set have stood out. He’s had his ups and downs, sure - that’s expected for a 19-year-old - but the upside remains tantalizing.
Another silver lining? Naji Marshall.
The 6'7" forward has quietly become one of the Mavericks’ most consistent contributors during a tough stretch. He’s putting up career highs with 13.6 points per game on 54% shooting, and he’s been even more efficient as a starter - averaging 16.9 points on 58.6% from the field in 17 starts.
What’s been especially impressive is his work off the dribble. He’s hitting 60.7% of his shots on drives, a mark that ranks behind only Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves among the league’s top 50 in points off drives, per NBA Advanced Stats.
That’s elite company.
And while the team’s record has slipped, there are still milestones to celebrate. Klay Thompson’s recent move into fourth all-time in three-pointers is one of those moments that reminds you how much history is still being made, even in seasons that don’t go according to plan.
Power Rankings Paint a Bleak Picture
The national power rankings reflect the Mavericks' recent struggles. ESPN has Dallas at No. 24, down a spot from last week.
The Athletic and Bleacher Report both have them trending in the wrong direction as well, with rankings at 23 and 26, respectively. The NBA’s own rankings keep them at 25.
The numbers don’t lie. The Mavericks are underperforming relative to preseason expectations.
Vegas had them pegged for 41.5 wins. Right now, they’re on pace for just 29.
Injuries have played a major role. Their frontcourt has been hit hard, and D’Angelo Russell - their top free-agent signing - hasn’t logged a single 20-minute game since Thanksgiving.
That’s not the kind of return on investment the team was hoping for.
Meanwhile, Flagg’s rookie campaign has been a mixed bag. He’s had some eye-popping performances, but they’ve been interspersed with quiet nights.
That’s not unusual for a first-year player, especially one being asked to do so much so early. But with him now sidelined, the Mavericks’ margin for error gets even thinner.
Rest Disadvantage, Lottery Implications Loom Large
One stat that jumps off the page: Dallas is 0-6 in games where they’ve had a rest advantage - one of just three teams in the league without a win in that category. That’s the kind of edge good teams capitalize on. The Mavericks have two more chances to flip that trend this week, with home games against Brooklyn and Denver during a four-game homestand.
The recent loss to Utah - just a week after beating the Jazz handily - only underscores the team’s inconsistency. And with Anthony Davis expected to miss several weeks due to a hand injury, the Mavs are staring down a tough stretch. Whether or not he gets moved before the deadline remains to be seen, but either way, his absence leaves a gaping hole in the rotation.
With Flagg also banged up, the writing may be on the wall. The Mavericks could lean into the idea of improving their lottery odds and start positioning themselves for the draft. It’s not the outcome fans hoped for coming into the season, but sometimes the best move is to accept where you are and start building for what’s next.
There’s still talent on this roster. There’s still time to find clarity. But the clock is ticking - and the Mavericks need to decide what kind of team they want to be, both now and in the future.