The Dallas Mavericks have been in disarray ever since trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Naturally, fans are frustrated and directing their anger at the person responsible for the team’s recent changes. On Friday, the Mavericks suffered another injury setback when it was reported that second-year forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper “has a serious right wrist injury and is expected to require season-ending surgery,” according to Shams Charania of ESPN. Prosper is just the latest Mavs player to face a significant injury, following Kyrie Irving, who was recently ruled out for the remainder of the season due to an ACL tear. Adding to their woes, Anthony Davis, the key piece Dallas received in the Doncic trade, has appeared in only one game for the team and has missed the last month with a left adductor strain. Against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, the Mavericks were without 10 players, including Dante Exum, Daniel Gafford, Jaden Hardy, Kai Jones, Dereck Lively II, Caleb Martin, and P.J. Washington. Another major injury blow for Dallas: forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper is dealing with a serious right wrist injury and is likely to undergo season-ending surgery, per sources from ESPN.
With all these injuries, many fans believe the team is “cursed.” Some have even pointed fingers at general manager Nico Harrison, who has been widely blamed for orchestrating the Doncic trade.
While the Mavericks struggle with injuries, Doncic has flourished with the Lakers, leading them to eight consecutive victories. Over his last five games with the Purple and Gold, Doncic has averaged 28.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 9.2 assists, and 2.0 steals. “Not sure how, but I’m certain it’s this man’s fault,” Action Network posted, along with a photo of Harrison. Another fan remarked, “Just beating a dead horse at this point. The basketball gods are really punishing Nico for trading Luka.” One user even claimed, “Ok, Nico actually placed a curse on this team.”
A Mavericks fan bluntly wrote, “This is Nico Harrison’s fault.” Another simply said, “The Nico curse.” “Nico Harrison has cursed that franchise,” a social media user added.
It remains uncertain whether the Mavericks can still compete for a playoff or play-in spot despite their injury struggles. However, the outlook for the team is far from promising.
