Luka Doncic’s departure from the Dallas Mavericks was a significant move, and head coach Jason Kidd paused to reflect on the impact. During a press conference in Cleveland, Kidd expressed his appreciation for Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris’s contributions to the franchise.
“We’ve got to be professional, but also you want to give your flowers to Luka and Maxi and Smooth (Markieff Morris) for what they have done,” Kidd said. “When you talk about Luka in the seven years with the Mavs, he’s beloved, and to be able to watch it up close by the city of Dallas, he’s a global icon. And so just to be able to talk as a group.”
Kidd’s remarks pointed out the organization’s respect and admiration for Doncic, acknowledging his considerable influence both on and off the field.
After seven seasons, Doncic’s playmaking, scoring, and ability to rise to the occasion in important moments made him one of the top talents in the NBA. Kidd is determined to navigate a new era for the Mavericks as he departs. Kidd utilized the occasion to encourage the remaining players to embrace their new roles, while also honoring Doncic and his former teammates.
“Now, we’ve been faced with a lot of injuries, so we’ve had a lot of conversations or meetings about the next man up, and that’s the situation as a coach I have to do,” Kidd said. “But we talk about Maxi, we’re going to miss Maxi, a true pro, and we’re going to miss Smooth, a pro in that locker room and was always ready to play if needed. But when you talk about getting AD and Christie, we believe that those guys are going to help us win.”
Anthony Davis and Max Christie have been added to the Mavericks’ roster, and they hope to create a competitive one that can compete in the Western Conference. Kidd emphasized his faith in his new players, indicating that although Doncic’s departure is significant, the team is dedicated to moving forward and adjusting to its new identity.
Anthony Davis and Max Christie have been added to the Mavericks’ roster, and they hope to create a competitive one that can compete in the Western Conference. Kidd emphasized his faith in his new players, indicating that although Doncic’s departure is significant, the team is dedicated to moving forward and adjusting to its new identity.
Kidd’s team received a clear message from Kidd that he was grateful for the past, but also committed to the future, even though the trade of a generational talent like Doncic left a void.
The Mavericks are now facing a challenge as they adjust to life without their franchise cornerstone on the court.
Anthony Davis and Max Christie have been added to the Mavericks’ roster, and they hope to create a competitive one that can compete in the Western Conference. Kidd emphasized his trust in his new players, indicating that although Doncic’s departure is significant, the team is dedicated to moving forward and adapting to its new identity.
Kidd’s message to his team was clear – gratitude for the past but commitment to the future, even though the move of a generational talent such as Doncic leaves a void. The Mavericks now face the challenge of responding on the court as they adjust to life without their franchise cornerstone.
