Worst Defensive Rating Since NBA All-Star Break: 30. Dallas Mavericks: 126.0 29. Washington Wizards: 122.5 28. Los Angeles Lakers: 119.7 27. Sacramento Kings: 119.0 26. Philadelphia 76ers: 117.7
The Dallas Mavericks have two of the best stars in the league, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. After a rough season last year, those two stars are playing very well together. And the Mavericks have added a lot of other talent to the roster.
They are a very promising and exciting team, but they are still just the eighth team in the Western Conference, which means they would qualify for the Play-In Tournament if it started today.
If the Mavericks don't reach the playoffs for a second year in a row, it's very likely that head coach Jason Kidd could be sent packing. It was one thing when the team didn't make it last year but the roster is much better this year and that means there is no excuse for them not getting into the postseason.
Since the All-Star break, the Mavericks have had the worst defense rating in the entire league. Even with recent acquisitions, the team is having a very hard time slowing down any other team. Their 126 defense rating sits behind the worst team in the entire league, the Washington Wizards.
The Mavericks now have just 20 games left to earn their spot in the playoffs. That means that the clock is ticking down and Kidd is running out of time to get this team in its best shape.
Dallas' front office is very eager to keep Luka Doncic happy and that means the team needs a permanent presence in the playoffs. If Kidd doesn't make that happen, he will be swiftly shown the exit as a way to truly capitalize on the talent of the team.
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