Dallas Mavericks: Texas Legends opt out of G League bubble

Dallas Mavericks: Texas Legends opt-out of G League bubble

The Dallas Mavericks have four talented rookies on their 17-man roster this season. They drafted Josh Green in the first round at 18 overall. The Mavs love his potential as a 3-and-D wing. Dallas selected Tyrell Terry and Tyler Bey in the second round before signing undrafted rookie Nate Hinton. Bey and Hinton are on two-way contracts meaning they would spend most of their season in the G League in a normal year. Fans can see the Mavs 2020 NBA Draft grades here.

The pandemic has caused it to be anything but a normal year, though. The Texas Legends were 24-19 and on pace to make the playoffs during the 2019-2020 season before it was halted by the novel coronavirus. The season never resumed. The league has been working through its plan for the 2020-2021 season for months.

The picture became clearer on Dec. 29 when The Athletic reported that the G League season is happening inside a bubble at Walt Disney World, but the Texas Legends are one of 11 teams that will not participate. Let us take a closer look.

Dallas Mavericks affiliate opts out of G League season

The G League has 18 teams lined up to play inside the bubble including the new Ignite squad featuring top 2021 NBA Draft prospects Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga, and others. The Legends opted against taking part in the bubble.

It makes sense. The Mavs won’t be able to play their four rookies on their G League squad to help them gain valuable minutes and experience. That would not be possible inside the bubble. Players would have to quarantine and miss significant time if needed in Dallas. Instead, the Mavericks will keep those four rookies practicing and on the bench in case they are needed.

Expect the Texas Legends to be back for the 2021-2022 season. They will be talented and ready to take the court in Frisco. Fans are going to be amped up too. Do not miss it.