You know those so-called motivational quotes that pop up on social media? They sound wise at first, but when you think about it, they’re mostly fluff. They’re often credited to someone who probably never even said them. These sayings try to sound deep but usually end up feeling a bit empty.
Take that one about luck: “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” It’s a favorite among basketball coaches and commentators who use it to stress the importance of hard work over blaming unlucky bounces or referee decisions. Well-intentioned, sure, but ultimately it’s just a somewhat empty platitude.
Ever since the news broke about Kyrie Irving’s ACL tear, this saying has been stuck in my head. If we believe luck is when preparation meets opportunity, then what’s going on with the Dallas Mavericks?
It seems like bad luck on this scale happens when arrogance meets absolute incompetence.
Did Kyrie Irving’s ACL rip because of the Luka Doncic trade? Of course not, but…
Did Anthony Davis pull his adductor during his debut in Dallas because of that trade? No, but it does make you wonder.
And how about injuries to Dereck Lively, Daniel Gafford, and PJ Washington? The list goes on, doesn’t it?
See where I’m heading with this?
Something seriously wrong is unfolding within this team. Sure, injuries are a part of professional sports; they happen all the time. But it’s hard to ignore the irony here: a team that took issue with their star player’s fitness and training can’t seem to keep anyone healthy enough to stay on the court long-term.
Maybe it’s just a lot of bad luck. But it’s hardly “bad luck” to announce a jump in season ticket prices exactly when fan confidence in the management is at rock bottom. It’s not “unlucky” to botch local TV rights and miss out on millions.
And it definitely wasn’t “bad luck” to trade away Luka Doncic!
We don’t have to go over that trade again, as it was already a disaster even before Doncic propelled the Los Angeles Lakers to title contenders and extended LeBron James’s prime by a couple more seasons. What we have is a franchise that just doesn’t seem to get what it’s supposed to provide for fans.
Loyalty from fans isn’t automatic. Teams have to earn that support. Today’s younger fans root for players more than teams. I’m not from Dallas, but I know how kids follow basketball. They choose players first, then follow the teams those players are on. If the Denver Nuggets were to trade Nikola Jokic, my son would drop them like a hot potato. Honestly, I would too.
The Lakers certainly didn’t need more fans, but Nico Harrison and the Dallas ownership gifted them with a whole generation’s worth in exchange for Anthony Davis and Max Christie. I hope they find it worth it.
And about that hike in season ticket prices—seriously, how could they think this was a good idea for fans already frustrated with the team? While I don’t wish failure on anyone, there’s a certain satisfaction in seeing consequences meet monumental stupidity.
And 1’s:
– Are you gearing up for the MVP Bowl this weekend? Sunday and Monday bring back-to-back matchups in Oklahoma City, featuring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic battling for the top individual honor in basketball. Reducing the whole 82-game MVP race to two games might be simplistic, but that’s often the case for voters. Public sentiment slightly favors SGA, but I’m convinced that Jokic is the most crucial player on the planet concerning his impact on the team. Don’t get me wrong, SGA is amazing—a worthy contender—but his team is packed with talent. I believe Jokic could take almost any NBA roster, maybe even the Wizards, to a possible playoff spot. Regardless, I can’t wait to see the outcome of these games.
– What’s going on at Arizona State? Bobby Hurley’s position seems precarious, but there’s fresh financial boost potential due to James Harden’s growing involvement in NIL activities, which could enhance recruitment. This program really shouldn’t be in such dire straits. If Hurley’s days are numbered, this role could attract any rising coaching star.
– This upcoming draft is incredibly rich with talent, folks. NBA teams at the bottom might miss out on Cooper Flagg or Rutgers’ own Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, but landing VJ Edgecombe wouldn’t be a bad consolation. In my opinion, Edgecombe would have gone first last year and would be in the mix for Rookie of the Year. His athleticism and speed are off the charts, and he reminds me a lot of Jalen Green.
