3 Things to Lament as the Mavericks Visit Boston
As the days pass since Patrick Dumont endorsed Nico Harrison’s shortsighted decision, the initial fury and frustration have escalated from fiery anger to a seething, otherworldly intensity that feels like a force threatening to disrupt the very fabric of the universe.
The NBA community was deprived of a true Finals rematch. The Mavericks, fresh off their Western Conference championship, were derailed before they could fully hit their stride. A series of injuries, illnesses, and suspensions have prevented the team from reaching its full potential, affecting their performance in the standings. Mavericks fans clung to the hope that, in the final stretch of the regular season, the team could recapture the promise of the 2024-2025 season, pushing beyond the play-in and emerging as a formidable threat no one wanted to face. The combination of Finals experience and being dismissed had the potential to fuel something extraordinary.
We’ll never know how the season would have unfolded had it not been interrupted by the devastating news that shook the Dallas Mavericks. Instead of eagerly anticipating the return of the franchise player against the Celtics—or at least knowing that return was imminent—we are left watching the roster evolve as Nico Harrison seemingly plays with the trade logic restrictions switched off, making moves that feel more like a real-time video game simulation.
Though the Celtics and Mavericks were far from competitive in the Finals, this doesn’t mean the outcome would have been the same if the Mavericks faced Boston again. Win or lose, the team, including Doncic, deserved the opportunity to see how it all played out.
The Luka and KP Era Feels Like a Lifetime Ago
Kristaps Porzingis has found a perfect fit in Boston, serving as the finishing touch on their championship-caliber roster. While the Celtics can succeed without him, his presence elevates their play to another level, as seen in Game 1 of the Finals. With Porzingis healthy and not listed on the injury report, he may have another opportunity to prove his worth against Dallas once again.
Looking back, it’s bittersweet to recall the excitement surrounding Porzingis’ arrival in 2019 when the Mavericks took a gamble on pairing him with Doncic. The combination of their talent on paper was thrilling, but injuries and personality clashes derailed the duo. Still, it’s fun to imagine what their partnership might have looked like without those obstacles. The league is constantly shifting, and who knows, they may cross paths once more in the future. Before dismissing that idea, consider the unlikely reunion of Dorian Finney-Smith and Luka Doncic on the same team again.
Championships Are Overrated
Great players who spend their careers without winning a championship often face the unfair burden of having their legacy questioned. Meanwhile, role players who were in the right place at the right time can accumulate rings without ever being considered elite. This disparity exists in every sport. For instance, while Dan Marino was clearly a better quarterback than Trent Dilfer, the number of Super Bowl rings doesn’t tell the full story.
This dynamic was likely at the heart of Dirk Nowitzki’s emotional release in the Mavericks’ locker room after winning the 2011 championship. He knew that was likely his last shot at a title, and that moment solidified his place among the all-time greats. It’s a harsh reality, where the one championship awarded each season determines a player’s or team’s legacy, overshadowing all other accomplishments.
Franchises with numerous titles, like the Boston Celtics with their 18 championships, have the luxury of basking in their historic success. Their banners will hang above the floor tonight as the Mavericks take on the Celtics.
As the game unfolds, my thoughts will drift back to the infamous press conference where Mavericks GM Nico Harrison proposed that the pain would cease once the team starts winning. He promised postseason contention and even hinted at a possible title to appease the fanbase. But, Dallas isn’t Boston or Los Angeles. Many of us would rather endure losses with Luka Doncic than celebrate a victory without him, a sentiment that was poignantly expressed in WFAA’s Jonah Javad’s commentary.
Nico Harrison’s misguided statements will likely remain unchanged despite the overwhelming criticism he has faced, as he walks with unwarranted confidence in the face of universal disapproval.
