Mavericks' self-created chaos is scarily just beginning as uncertain offseason looms

With three games left in the regular season for the Dallas Mavericks, they have undoubtedly dug themselves a deep hole right before the most critical time of the year. Heading into last weekend's back-to-back affair against the LA Clippers, the Mavs were looking to build a wave of momentum just a week before the Play-In Tournament began.

Not only did the Mavericks fail to resemble the team fans had watched over the previous two weeks, but Dallas would go on to lose both games against their rival. To make matters worse, the Mavericks dropped to the 10 seed in the Western Conference as they prepared themselves for a heated battle against the Sacramento Kings in the first round of the Play-In.

Despite Dallas' embarrassing efforts against the Clippers, fans were still reminded just how great and competitive Anthony Davis can be. Davis not only got back on the right track, but Jason Kidd's efforts to get Davis involved early have proven to be a difference-maker for the former champion.

Despite Davis's efforts, the Mavericks have still proven to be a bottom-of-the-barrel team that will need many questions answered during the offseason. Not only will Nico Harrison be required to tweak the roster, but the Mavs may be entering one of the most confusing stretches in franchise history.

Mavericks will have plenty of questions to answer during offseason

It's no secret that the Mavericks vaulted themselves into a period of uncertainty when they traded Luka Doncic in an attempt to get closer to winning the franchise's second title. Doncic's departure hasn't just thrown the fan base in a loop, but the team has continued to spiral with injuries and a lack of identity throughout the season.

Regardless of if the Mavericks make the playoffs and advance past the Play-In stages, Harrison and many of the Mavs' front office members will have to answer some tough questions.

Not only will Harrison be required to build a championship-level roster around Davis and an injured Kyrie Irving, but he will also once again need to face the fan base. Since Davis's debut game, the Mavericks looked like a sure playoff contender, but after Irving's untimely torn ACL, the Mavericks quickly vanished into no man's land.

Not only is Dallas choosing to build around aging stars, but they may not have the talent or the assets to build a winning roster in the future. Irving and Davis are among the most feared duos in the league when they are healthy, but without a talented roster surrounding them, the Mavs could once again fall into a mediocre category.

The Mavericks aren't just one of the few teams with a scary future, but when trading Doncic, Dallas failed to get significant draft compensation or tradable assets in the deal. Had Harrison acquired more talent, Dallas' future may have been more certain, but with an aging Irving and injury-riddled Davis, the Mavericks have quickly become one of the most uncertain franchises in the league.

Despite the negative outlook, this season has shown fans that Harrison and Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont have full access to do whatever they like with the roster. With this in mind, the Mavericks have headed into one of the weirdest periods in franchise history.

There's no saying what direction Harrison will push the Mavericks in during the offseason, but if the team fails to win playoff games, the already fractured fan base may choose to jump ship.

Without a clear future, the Mavericks could head in plenty of different directions, but it will all begin in the offseason.