The unthinkable happened over the weekend as the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round pick. No one could have foreseen Dallas making such a drastic move, signaling a brand-new era with Davis and Kyrie Irving leading the charge.
Before the trade, the Mavericks were struggling, searching for solutions to deal with unexpected injuries that had derailed their season. Even without Doncic, they managed to pull off a victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder, proving their resilience despite the odds. In January, their rivalry with the Thunder intensified, but Doncic will no longer be a part of that battle.
One former Maverick had reservations about the team’s performance during Doncic’s absence, and his comments stirred controversy among fans. Now, those words are about to be put to the test.
“They’re Not That Good Without Luka”: Parsons’ Take Faces Scrutiny
Chandler Parsons credited the P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford trades as the primary reasons behind the Mavericks’ 2024 NBA Finals run. He also drew a comparison between Doncic’s absence due to injury and Nikola Jokic missing games for the Denver Nuggets, arguing that both teams would struggle significantly without their stars.
“They’re not that good of a team without Luka Doncic in the lineup,” Parsons said. “It’s tough. With no Luka, it’s hard to judge this team this far, but yeah, right now you see the trajectory is not good because the Western Conference is deep, everyone seems to have gotten a little bit better and this team is kind of stagnant, especially with no Luka in the lineup.”
Since Doncic suffered his calf injury on Christmas Day against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Mavericks have posted a 7-14 record and are currently 0-2 since the trade.
Parsons’ skepticism regarding Dallas’ supporting cast is now being tested. While his comments came before the team acquired Davis, they suggest a lack of confidence in the Mavericks’ role players.
However, it’s worth noting that Doncic’s injury wasn’t the only factor in the Mavericks’ struggles. The team was battling multiple injuries across the roster, and now, most players are finally returning to full strength. While Dereck Lively II might not return until the playoffs, the Mavericks—aside from him and Dwight Powell—are relatively healthy.
Despite Parsons’ doubts, the Mavericks have a chance to prove they are more than just a one-man show. They’ve been among the unluckiest teams in the league regarding injuries, but with Davis and Irving now at the helm, they could finally silence their critics—including Parsons.
