"They have a right to speak" - Jason Kidd takes shocking stance on Mavericks fans opposed to Mark Cuban and ownership
Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd has made his thoughts known on fans displaying their displeasure and frustration with Mark Cuban and the whole ownership following the shocking trade that sent resident superstar Luka Doncic to the LA Lakers last week.
He believes that it was to be expected, and fans are within their rights to do such as long as they do not pose imminent trouble to others in the arena.
The one-time NBA champion player, who coached the Mavericks to the NBA Finals last year, gave his two cents during his session with reporters on Wednesday when asked about what is becoming a common sight of fans channeling criticism to the Mavericks management following the Doncic trade.
Jason Kidd said (as shared on X by Dallas area reporter Noah Weber):
“Dealing with grief. We have the best fans in the league, and they can come and cheer and boo. If they don’t like the way we’re playing, if we’re being lazy, but I don’t think the fans are booing the guys are playing as hard as they can…They have a right to speak on what they believe…I think it’s fair, that’s why they’re fans. They paid to come watch the game. As long as it’s not disturbing the next fan that’s come to watch the game and cheer the guys on.”
The Mavericks management has gotten the ire of many hometown fans, who feel let down by the decision to let go of generational player Doncic in exchange for a package that included fellow All-Star Anthony Davis.
They are expressing their dismay in the arena by shouting criticisms at team officials like Cuban and coming up with signs calling for the head of team manager Nico Harrison, who reportedly initiated the trade.
While it is ongoing, Jason Kidd and the rest of the Mavericks are trying to move on with the pieces they got in return for Doncic. They have gone 2-2 since the trade but unfortunately lost Davis for multiple weeks after injuring his groin in his first game with the Mavericks. The team is currently eighth in the Western Conference with a 28-26 record.
Jason Kidd adjusting to Mavericks' life without Luka Doncic
Jason Kidd said coaching the Dallas Mavericks without Luka Doncic is a whole lot different but that there was no longer sense in crying over spilled milk, and they are moving on.
He shared this in the press conference following the surprise trade that saw 'The Don' shipped out to the LA Lakers last week. Joined by team manager Nico Harrison, Kidd said (via Bleacher Report):
"Everybody wants to talk about the trade. Yeah, it's different. We gotta keep pushing forward. It was weird, but understanding logistics of basketball, it happens. You've got to play the game."
With Doncic out, the Mavericks are now anchoring their thrust on the lead of All-Stars Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, with support from the likes of Klay Thompson, PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford, Spencer Dinwiddie, Max Christie and Dereck Lively II.