The Dallas Mavericks find themselves in an impossible situation. Injuries have decimated the roster, and the front office lacks the financial flexibility to add reinforcements. With a salary cap situation that prevents them from signing even a 10-day contract, the Mavericks must rely on their remaining healthy players to stay afloat. Essentially, the Mavericks front office can’t take any steps to solve it’s injury issues.
“Never Seen This”: Mavericks ‘Too Broke’ To Solve Injury Issues
Injury Woes Leave Mavericks Shorthanded
Dallas entered Sunday’s game against the Phoenix Suns with only nine available players. By the fourth quarter, that number had dwindled due to in-game injuries. Dwight Powell and Kessler Edwards collided heads while chasing a rebound. Powell needed seven stitches, while Edwards returned to the game with a bandage over his left eye.
Guard Brandon Williams also suffered a hamstring injury, leaving head coach Jason Kidd with no substitutions late in the game. Caleb Martin and Dante Exum were on minutes restrictions, further limiting Dallas’ options.
“I’ve never seen this,” Kidd said. “Never been in a game where we couldn’t take someone out because we had no one left.”
The Mavericks‘ injury list already featured key players such as Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Lively II. Now, the team must navigate back-to-back games with the league-minimum eight active players.
Mavericks Financial Constraints Block Roster Moves to Deal With Injury Issues
Dallas has an open roster spot and meets the criteria for a hardship exemption, but they still can’t sign anyone. The reason? They are only $51,000 below the NBA’s first salary cap apron. A 10-day contract costs $119,972, meaning the Mavericks simply cannot afford to add a player.
Kidd joked about the situation, saying, “We can’t sign anybody, so me and Duds (assistant coach Jared Dudley) cost too much.” The humor barely masks the team’s growing frustration.
Center Moses Brown, who played well during a recent 10-day contract, remains unsigned because Dallas lacks the financial flexibility to bring him back. The Mavericks must navigate their injury crisis without external help.
Naji Marshall Steps Up Amid Chaos
Despite the adversity, the Mavericks have found a silver lining in Naji Marshall. Initially expected to be a depth piece, he has become a key contributor. Against the Suns, he delivered a career-best performance with 34 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds.
“Just trying to keep the pace high, push the pace,” Marshall said. “Rebound and push, get stops.”
His ability to attack the rim has made him invaluable. He converts 67.1% of his shots within five feet of the basket. While his three-point shooting remains inconsistent, he has excelled from the left corner, where he boasts a 58.7% effective field goal percentage.
Max Christie’s Impact on Both Ends
Another unexpected bright spot has been Max Christie. Since arriving from the Lakers, he has stepped up as a ball-handler and shot-creator. He averages 12.6 points while shooting 42.3% from the field, 39.1% from three, and 85.2% from the free-throw line.
Christie’s catch-and-shoot efficiency stood out in February, as he made 48.8% of those attempts. However, his numbers have dipped in March, shooting just 21.4% on catch-and-shoot threes due to defenses prioritizing him.
Defensively, he has been exceptional. Opponents’ effective field goal percentage drops by 6.6% when he is on the floor, putting him in the 100th percentile. The Mavericks outscore opponents by 20.2 points per 100 possessions when he plays.
Can Dallas Survive This Stretch?
The Mavericks’ injuries and financial limitations create a massive challenge. Jason Kidd must rely on his remaining healthy players, hoping they can sustain their level of play.
Marshall and Christie provide hope, but the margin for error is razor-thin. With no reinforcements coming, Dallas must push forward and hope their health situation improves. Otherwise, their playoff hopes could slip away.
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