3 Reasons why Kyrie Irving is the key to the Mavericks season

Last season, the Dallas Mavericks were one of the biggest failures in the NBA. After an impressive run to the Western Conference finals in 2022, they failed to even qualify for the Play-Tournament in 2023.

It was a complete and utter meltdown that stemmed from a declining defense and the loss of Jalen Brunson, who joined the New York Knicks in free agency last offseason.

Heading into the summer this year, the Mavericks had one goal - improve. And luckily for Luka Doncic and Mavericks fans everywhere, they did just that.

The Mavericks traded for Grant Williams and Richaun Holmes, drafted Dereck Lively II and Oliviver-Maxence Prosper, and signed Seth Curry and Dante Exum. But most importantly, they re-signed Kyrie Irving to a three-year extension.

3 Reasons why Kyrie Irving is the key to the Mavericks season

Dallas made a huge splash at the trade deadline this past year, landing Irving in a deal with the Brooklyn Nets in hopes of pairing Doncic with a new superstar-caliber player.

Unfortunately, the results didn’t show right away, as Dallas fumbled to end the season, as previously mentioned, but re-signing Irving gives the Mavericks a future to look forward to.

And while they undoubtedly hope Irving and Doncic can be a successful duo in the NBA for years to come, everything starts with next season. Next season will be the baseline for success.

Before the Mavericks can dream of a dynasty with Doncic at the helm, they need to win a title. Before they win a title, they need to make it back to the Western Conference finals. And before they do that, they need to get back into the playoffs.

Irving is the key to all of that, especially next year. And here are three reasons why.