Should head coach Jason Kidd take blame for Dallas Mavericks struggles?

Jason Kidd needs to lead the Dallas Mavericks now more than ever

When Kidd was hired in the summer of 2021, he preached chemistry, accountability, and defense. Those were the things that he wanted to instill in the Mavericks, and it worked during his first season. They jumped to seventh in defensive rating as a tight-knit team that took responsibility for their play. Those pillars not transferring over in year two.

The Mavericks lost key leaders Jalen Brunson and Dorian Finney-Smith along with everyone’s favorite teammate Boban Marjanovic. They have added three new pieces since the trade deadline and have rarely had their full roster healthy. Dallas does not have chemistry right now, and they are never going to have the defense.

Coach Kidd has refused to take any accountability for the team’s play. Much has been made about his “nobody’s dying” remark after the team’s loss to the Grizzlies on March 13, and somewhat rightfully so. The Mavericks must have some urgency, and they need their head coach leading them. Yes, they are dealing with injuries and trying to come together on the fly, but that means the team needs a leader more than ever.

The Dallas Mavericks will get through this tough stretch, but they would do that faster with strong leadership. With Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving out injured, that falls solely on the shoulders of coach Kidd, but he should not take the blame for the current state of the roster.