The Dallas Mavericks are hoping to have a much better season in 2023-24.
Last year they failed to reach the playoffs after they acquired Kyrie Irving via trade last season.
He and Luka Doncic were not enough to help the Mavericks get a top-10 seed in the conference.
This year many expect the Mavs to be a top-six team and contend with the top of the West.
Dallas is hoping to get things figured out in the preseason so they can be ready to go when the real games tip-off.
On Tuesday, the Mavericks take on Real Madrid in an exhibition game.
According to Marc Stein, Irving will not play in that game.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd says that Kyrie Irving will not play in Tuesday’s game in Madrid.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) October 9, 2023
It is not a surprise that Irving is being held out of this game.
There is no reason to play him in a meaningless game against a non-NBA team.
Dallas needs to make sure their whole roster is ready to go for opening night.
This is a massive season for Irving and the Mavs to prove that the three-year contract they agreed to was not a mistake.
In a league full of stars, the Mavericks have two of the best in the league.
Anything short of a meaningful playoff run this year should have the Mavericks considering their position amongst the league’s best.
