As February approaches, the Dallas Mavericks are gradually getting their roster back to a more stable position after struggling with numerous injuries and illnesses that disrupted their season. While they’ve picked up a few solid wins recently, they still have much to accomplish to return to a top-four spot in the Western Conference, and it’s essential for them to build momentum heading into the All-Star break.
The Mavericks are considering various trades to improve their roster ahead of the February 6 deadline, especially since injuries to Maxi Kleber and Dereck Lively II have increased the need for a backup big man or a stronger wing player. Recently, the Mavericks signed Kylor Kelley to a two-way deal to help with their lack of big-man depth, and players like Kessler Edwards and Olivier-Maxence Prosper have shown they’re rotation-caliber wings, but more depth is needed to strengthen their lineup for the postseason.
While making a trade may be a priority before the deadline, the Mavericks’ main focus is to ensure they’re fully healthy after the All-Star break. Fortunately, superstar Luka Dončić is set to return soon. Sadly for Dončić, he’s missed too many games to make a legitimate case for the All-Star team this year, which is why he was neither a starter nor a reserve for the Western Conference. However, co-star Kyrie Irving has had one of his best statistical seasons in years, missing only 10 games out of 48, yet he was snubbed for the All-Star selection.
3 Players Who Didn’t Deserve All-Star Spots Over Kyrie Irving
Irving’s All-Star snub is largely due to Dallas’ 26-22 record and their current position as the eighth seed, which seemingly didn’t qualify them enough in the eyes of the coaches. Nonetheless, Irving has been more than deserving of an All-Star spot this season, especially given his leadership during the Mavericks’ lineup struggles.
Here are three players who shouldn’t have made the All-Star team over Irving:
3. James Harden The most obvious player who shouldn’t have made the All-Star team over Irving is James Harden. While Harden has played a few more games than Irving and the Clippers are ranked sixth in the West, Irving has had a much more efficient season. Harden has averaged 21.7 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.8 rebounds on 39.9/35.2/88.8 shooting splits across 44 games. While Harden has kept the Clippers competitive despite Kawhi Leonard’s injuries, Irving has played a more crucial role in Dallas’ success. Irving, with averages of 24.2 points, 4.9 assists, and 4.6 rebounds on 48.2/41.9/89.7 shooting splits, has been more efficient and less prone to turnovers. Despite the Clippers’ better record, Irving should’ve been the selection.
2. Alperen Şengün Alperen Şengün and the Houston Rockets have exceeded expectations this season, with Şengün averaging 19.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists. Although the Rockets are the second seed in the West, Şengün’s performance hasn’t been as crucial to his team’s success as Irving’s has been for Dallas. The Mavericks likely wouldn’t be in playoff contention without Irving’s stellar play over the past month, especially with Dončić sidelined. Despite Şengün’s strong individual performance, Irving has been just as efficient from the field and should’ve made the All-Star team ahead of him.
1. Jalen Williams Jalen Williams has emerged as a versatile offensive player, averaging 21.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists for the Oklahoma City Thunder. His strong play has been a key factor in the Thunder’s success, as they currently sit at the top of the Western Conference. However, while Williams is an impressive player, he hasn’t yet reached the level of superstardom, and Irving has been more impactful for his team. If Williams were in Irving’s shoes, it’s unlikely he could have carried the Mavericks through a stretch of adversity the way Irving did. Though Williams may deserve an All-Star appearance in the future, Irving was more deserving this season.
