Dallas Mavericks: Former Mav Shane Larkin details struggle with OCD

Former Dallas Mavericks point guard Shane Larkin opened up to ESPN about his struggle with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and how it almost ended his NBA career.

The Dallas Mavericks traded for a 20-year-old rookie point guard named Shane Larkin back on draft night 2013.  Larkin was coming off a successful two-season run at the University of Miami and was the 18th overall pick in the draft.  Dallas traded three players to acquire the rights to Larkin.  His time with the Mavs lasted only one season, though.

Larkin moved on via trade after just 363 days with the Mavs in the deal that brought Tyson Chandler and Raymond Felton to Dallas in 2014.

Shane Larkin has four years of NBA experience under his belt.  He is living a dream.  Most people probably envy his life, but Larkin has struggles just like anyone.

OCD issues

Larkin opened up to ESPN’s Jackie MacMullan about his problems with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).  The article is a must-read piece which you can find here.  It is one piece of a five-part series on mental health issues in NBA.  It is fantastic and shows fans a side of the game that usually never gets any publication.

Larkin shares stories and details accounts of how OCD ruled his days.  He also depicts how basketball was an escape from the disorder.  OCD definitely impacted Larkin’s NBA career.  The article is genuinely must-read for any NBA fan.

Larkin’s season in Dallas

Shane Larkin only played his rookie season in Dallas.  He saw action in 48 games but was limited to just 10.2 minutes per game.  Larkin shot poorly on every percentage and failed to produce much exciting except 1.5 assists per game.

The Mavericks made the playoffs in 2014 and lost in first round to the Spurs.  The series went seven games, but Larkin only appeared in two playing a total of ten minutes on the court.

Where is he now?

Larkin has bounced around since his season with the Mavs.  He played one season each for the Knicks and Nets before heading to play in Spain in 2016-2017.  Larkin returned to the NBA last season and played for the Celtics.

Shane Larkin signed a one-year deal with a Turkish club for the upcoming season.

Final thoughts

Former Dallas Maverick point guard Shane Larkin shared about his struggle with OCD to ESPN.  Larkin opening up took a lot of guts.  Hopefully, it raises awareness and helps others out there struggling with similar disorders.

The Smoking Cuban should be the one stop shop for diehard Dallas Mavericks fans, so please check back with us often for all the opinions and analysis you desire.  Thank you for reading.