Hoops Habit
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5 NBA players facing do-or-die 2023–2024 seasons

By Holden Walter-Warner

DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 24: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Dallas NBA Mavericks congratulates Luka Doncic #77 during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at American Airlines Center on March 24, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 24: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Dallas NBA Mavericks congratulates Luka Doncic #77 during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at American Airlines Center on March 24, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) /
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Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /

NBA: G Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks

There are a few people facing do-or-die moments with the Dallas Mavericks. Last season was a huge disappointment, one that the franchise seemed to double down on during the offseason. Luka Doncic holds the keys in Dallas and his fate could come into focus this season.

When last season came to a close, the postseason-less Doncic did his best to reassure the Dallas fans, saying he was happy in the city. He then said something more foreboding, however, saying something needed to change after the Mavs went from the Western Conference Finals to being sidelined for the postseason.

Who decides what that change is? The front office, which didn’t seem to see the need for major changes. Yes, they traded for Grant Williams and drafted Dereck Lively II, but they also brought back Kyrie Irving and will once again base their attack around the tandem guards.

That feels like an indictment of Doncic, and not in a negative way. Dallas still believes fully that the Slovenian can lead them to the promised land for the first time since another European was running the court.

But if the Mavs sputter again, Doncic may seek greener pastures, while fans may also wonder if a Doncic-led team can really carry Dallas as far as they once thought.

Doncic is a superstar. He averaged 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game. He seems like a perfectly deserving candidate for the five-year, $215 million extension he received not long ago.

Patience doesn’t tend to last long in this league, though. Much like the Utah Jazz dismantled their core last offseason after years of being great, but not great enough, Dallas could be headed that way depending on how Doncic does this year.