Are Dallas Mavericks shutting down Luka Doncic for remainder of 2023 NBA season?
Four-time All-Star Luka Doncic shut down rumors about the Dallas Mavericks shutting him down for the rest of the season. The Mavs are fighting for a chance to be in the play-in tournament as the 2022-23 NBA season is coming to a conclusion in a few days.
There were some who made suggestions about Doncic's availability in their last three games. Additionally, part of why he was rumored to be shut down by the team was because they were hoping to maximize their odds in the May 16 draft lottery to get a top pick in the June 22 draft. NBA insider Shams Charania reckoned that the Mavs should shut down both All-Stars, Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
The Mavericks are ‘seriously considering’ shutting down Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving to push for a top 10 pick, per @ShamsCharania
(h/t @RealGM) https://t.co/VwHMSZsVzV
In a recent interview, the Slovenian star clarified that he wants to play their last three games of the season.
"No. I'm playing tomorrow. When there's still chance, I'm gonna play. That's not gonna happen, yet." Doncic said.
Luka Doncic today on reports that the Mavs are considering shutting him and Kyrie Irving down for the rest of the season said:
“No.”
He’s playing tomorrow vs. Kings and him being shut down is not gonna happen…yet #MFFL https://t.co/3bVYYpMdgl
The Mavs (37-42) are struggling mightily to stay in the race for a play-in spot. Since acquiring Kyrie Irving in early February, the team hasn't had any significant success. Their momentum quickly shifted downward, going 6-16 since Feb. 11.
Many experts have written them out of the playoff race. However, the team hasn't lost hope as the Mavs still believe they can make a run for a playoff spot.
You might also be interested in reading this: NBA Insider proposes shutting down Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving for rest of season
What did some experts say about Luka Doncic denying the rumor of him being shut down?
When the Mavs traded for Irving on Feb. 6, they had a 96% chance of winning the title. Based off of talent alone, Dallas looked better than the rest of the league. Pairing him with Luka Doncic made their team offensively better, but the front office didn't address their issues on the defensive end.
As the conclusion of the season approaches, Dallas is in a tough position right now. They now have a 6% chance of winning the title, far from the projected 96% during the trade deadline. Experts shared their thoughts on whether the team will make the play-in tournament or not.
"We keep talking about the Mavs, they're not going to make the playoffs," ESPN's Kendrick Perkins said. "Luka knows that. The organization sees it. That's why they're talking about shutting him down."
ESPN's Zach Lowe shared his thoughts on the Mavs' future this season:
"It's a disaster if they don't make it to the play-in. After letting [Jalen] Brunson walk (in the offseason) and then trading a whole bunch of stuff for Kyrie Irving to finish 11th ... I would be shocked if the Mavericks made the playoffs. In part, because the Thunder's last two opponents may not have any incentive to play their guys."
Last season, the Mavs finished fourth in the Western Conference standings and made it all the way to the conference finals. They may not be able to replicate that type of success again with the way things are.
Also read: Dallas Mavericks GM on Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving's future - "A Ferrari and a monster truck"