The Mavericks defeated the Pelicans Friday night 128-120. While the Pelicans put forward an inconsistent, embarrassing performance, the Mavs deserve a lot of credit. For deeper insight on Dallas, we talked to TheSmokingCuban editor Isaac Harris. Enjoy, and check us out @PelicanDebrief.
1. The Mavericks are currently going through a really disappointing season. Injuries to players from Dennis Smith to Seth Curry and Nerlens Noel have for sure played a role. Are injuries mainly to blame? Or is it more to it that the casual fan is missing?
Bringing in a rookie point guard is one thing, but taking him through an offseason and training camp with Seth Curry by his side only to lose Curry before the season starts was huge. Curry hasn’t played a single game all season and the Mavs were expecting a big season from him. It is simply a growing year for the Mavericks as they implement Dennis into the system, grow Harrison Barnes as a player and enjoy one of Dirk’s last rides.
2. Talk a little about Dirk Nowitzki, even as his career fades and the team struggles he appears to be enjoying himself. How tough is it watching the best Maverick of all time end his career under these circumstances? Is it tough at all?
Yeah, it is super tough. Dirk is a legend and means so much to the city of Dallas. In a perfect world, Dirk would be competing on a playoff team in Dallas right now but he has embraced this rebuilding stage for the Mavericks.
3. When the Mavs offered Nerlens Noel a multi-year deal it appeared he was going to be an important piece of the future. Noel, Dennis Smith, and Harrison Barnes looked to be building blocks for the future. We have an idea of what Smith (when healthy) and Barnes can bring. Is there any hope that Noel can regain trust back and be apart of the Mavericks future again? If not, how does the future look in the hands of Smith and Barnes?
Noel’s time in Dallas is over in my opinion. I spoke with Noel a few weeks ago for a one-on-one after the “hot dog” incident and he is still upbeat. The situation has been weird all season but I think it is best that both sides part ways at this point. It is unfortunate that it didn’t work out with Noel, but Barnes and Smith Jr. are good building blocks. Now the Mavs enter next summer with a ton of cap space and a potential top ten pick again.
4. What’s the biggest misconception about the Mavericks this season?
The biggest misconception is that Dirk is too old, too slow and can’t play in the league anymore. The man has played in every single game this season and has scored over 15 points in the last four straight games. His defense is difficult to game-plan around, but his ability to score the basketball and stretch the floor is still unbelievable. People who say he is too old to be in the league right now simply don’t watch the Mavericks play.
5. Outside Perspective on the Pelicans
I was higher than some on the Pelicans coming out of the summer but then they lost Solomon Hill and I lost some of my hope. Paying Holiday that contract was unfortunate, but something they had to do. I’m a believer in the Boogie/Davis pairing, but the hole on the wing could sink them later. I am really intrigued with what they do with Boogie around the deadline, it could be the ultimate signal for the future of Anthony Davis.
Next: Rajon Rondo Taps Into The Fountain Of Youth, Joins Prestigious Company
That’s a wrap for our time with Issac Harris. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @IssacHarrisNBA and the Mavs @thesmokingcuban. You can also follow him as the co-host of @LockedonMavs. Hope you all enjoyed! Check out our next installment with Knicks editor Maxwell Ogden.