The apologists will say we should wait. Anthony Davis will be back on the floor soon and perhaps Kyrie Irving will be by the end of the year. But deep down even those defenders would have to look at the mirror and know that these flaws we are seeing are systemic and doom the season.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/nba/mavericks/onsi as Cooper Flagg addresses early NBA struggles with Dallas Mavericks.

Dallas Mavericks fans and media members have been expressing frustration with the team’s recent events, starting with the unexpected trade of star Luka Doncic in early February, and injuries to star players like Kyrie Irving,

The Dallas Mavericks may have lucked out getting the number one overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, but the Western Conference franchise is still reeling from the fact that they traded away a generational superstar that is going to dominate the league for the many years to come.

New Orleans will look to stop its four-game road skid when the Pelicans face Dallas. The teams play Wednesday for the first time this season.

The Dallas Mavericks have sued the Dallas Stars, claiming the Stars' move of their headquarters to Frisco breached a contract, allowing the Mavericks to claim sole ownership of the companies that run the jointly owned American Airlines Center.

The Dallas Mavericks haven't had guard Brandon Williams for the last two games, listing him out due to personal reasons. At the time, there was no explanation for his absence, but there seems to be one now.

Both teams will be at less than full strength when the visiting New Orleans Pelicans face the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night. Dallas will be missing