Dallas Mavericks GM on Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving's future - "A Ferrari and a monster truck"
After seasons of fans pleading their case for Luka Doncic to have another All-Star teammate with him to help in carrying the load of the team, they finally got their wish when the Dallas Mavericks acquired 8 time All-Star Kyrie Irving.
The trade came at the cost of the Mavericks sending Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, a 2029 first-round pick, and two future second-round picks.
But was the cost too great? As of now, the Dallas Mavericks (37-40) are 11th in the Western Conference standings.
In an interview with Callie Caplan from "Dallas News," Mavericks GM Nico Harrison spoke about the future of the tandem between Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Harrison said:
"The potential is limitless. I think you have a Ferrari and a monster truck, you know what I'm saying? Both amazing and awesome machines, but different styles, which makes us super dynamic."
However, when asked about why the duo has not synced fluidly yet, Harrison gave an objective point of view. He talked about how even though Irving and Doncic have struggled to be more connected at this point in the season, they have still only logged a few minutes together as both have missed some time due to injuries.
The struggles of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving
For the season, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving have a record of 4-9 when both are playing for the team. The disappointment is there as these are two All-Stars capable of leading their team to a deep playoff run and wreaking havoc throughout the league.
Mavericks GM Nico Harrison argued that the presence of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic was not enough due to the team having limited depth. Harrison said:
"Since the trade, we haven't had consistent players out there. So, it's tough to say, like, absolute which lineups work because it's very little minutes that they've played together because it's been change after change after change."
The Dallas Mavericks have the sixth-ranked offense in the league at a 115.9 rating, but have struggled to make any strides on the defensive end as they have a twenty-third-ranked defense at a 115.7 rating.