The Dallas Mavericks have been facing tough times since trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. The team has dealt with numerous injuries, including setbacks to their two biggest stars, Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. Meanwhile, fans have grown increasingly frustrated with the front office, voicing their anger at every game for letting the Slovenian star leave. Amid the turmoil, Irving took a moment to address the situation with a heartfelt message to Mavs fans.
In a recent Instagram Live session, Irving acknowledged the team’s struggles since Doncic’s departure. He urged fans to stick together during this challenging period and indirectly addressed the “Fire Nico” chants aimed at general manager Nico Harrison.
“I know we’ve dealt with a lot. I know we’ve been going through a lot,” Irving said during the livestream. “But please just stick with us and understand we are here for the long haul, too, man, to make this thing work. I don’t want anybody to focus on playing the blame game. Let’s just focus on where we are now”.
Irving also highlighted Doncic’s impact on the Mavericks’ culture but asked fans to move forward and support the team’s rebuilding process. “Our culture [in Dallas] is being rebuilt as we speak,” he explained.
Kyrie Irving #11 and Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrate after scoring during the second half of an Emirates NBA Cup game against the Memphis Grizzlies. (Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
“It’s part of franchise-building and franchise changes,” Irving continued. “Luka, my brother, my hermano, he’ll always be family forever. A year can change things, but I’m not the type of person to play the blame game on everybody else. This business is ruthless”.
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Irving reflects on Doncic’s departure
There’s no denying that Luka Doncic’s exit from the Mavericks was a major blow to the Dallas community. Both fans and players were deeply affected by the departure of the franchise’s best player.
While Irving acknowledged the emotional weight of the trade, he emphasized the importance of focusing on the present and building with the players currently on the roster.
“It may have been emotional for a lot of people,” Irving admitted, reflecting on the aftermath of the trade. “It was emotional for me, too. I ain’t gonna lie to you — I struggled a bit for the first few days. But after a while, you get to be where you are by making some incredible moves. We can only deal with what we’re doing now“.
Mavs reportedly set plans for Irving’s future
Following Irving’s season-ending injury, speculation swirled about his future with the team. However, Mavericks insider Mike Curtis recently shed light on the franchise’s plans for the veteran guard.
“I think the goal is to keep Kyrie in Dallas as long as they can,” NBA insider Mike Curtis told Run It Back. “I think before the injury he was definitely on track for a max extension. And I think that’s still the case”.
