Luka Doncic Says Mavs Miss Knicks Breakout Star Jalen Brunson 'A Lot'
DALLAS — The New York Knicks are reaping the benefits of clearing the necessary salary cap space to outright sign Jalen Brunson to a four-year, $104 million contract in free agency. Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks have felt every bit of the downside of allowing a breakout star depart while receiving nothing in return.
The Mavs' 37-42 record currently places them 11th in the Western Conference standings. By trailing the 10th ranked Oklahoma City Thunder by a whole game without the tie breaker, the Mavs would need major assistance while essentially winning out during their final three games to qualify for the play-in tournament.
Meanwhile, Brunson's Knicks are sitting comfortably at fifth in the Eastern Conference. His production has been nothing short of remarkable. He's not only averaging 24.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 6.2 assists, but he's doing so while shooting 49.1 percent from the floor, 41.6 percent from 3, and 82.9 percent on free throws.
Had the Mavs simply retained Brunson, they would not have had their hands forced into making a midseason trade to fill the void left behind by his departure. Instead, they could have looked to fill additional roster holes to enhance a team that had just made a Western Conference Finals run.
"A lot," Doncic said after Tuesday's practice when asked how much the Mavs miss Brunson. "I mean, amazing guy, amazing player, for sure."
Between the need to build chemistry midseason since the Kyrie Irving trade, injuries, and just a generally limited roster around two superstars, the Mavs' stretch-run of the season has not gone according to plan, to say the least. It's not just offensively, the team lost Dorian Finney-Smith — their defensive connector — and has been struggling to be on a string as a unit since.
"I think you don't see that chemistry we had before — I mean, especially last year," Doncic said. "I think that chemistry was at the top, everybody. But chemistry builds not just not right away. It's a long process."
Is the Mavs' lack of success surprising to Brunson? He didn't want to give a detailed answer when asked about it, but he did express how it's been surprising to see his former team struggle to succeed this season.
"I am surprised," Brunson said. "I honestly have no comment about that, but it's definitely surprising."
The Mavs' next chance to prolong their likely shortcomings in the race for play-in qualifications comes on Wednesday when they take on the Sacramento Kings. After speculation about possibly shutting down their two superstars — Doncic and Irving — both players are listed as probable to play on the latest injury report.
Doncic went as far as to say that there has been "no" consideration given to the idea of him shutting it down for the season. He plans to play against the Kings and will continue to be on the floor as long as they aren't mathematically eliminated.
“I’m playing tomorrow [against the Kings]," Doncic said after Tuesday's practice. "When there’s still a chance, I’m going to play.”
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