Did the Mavericks Make Another Mistake? Plus, No Crown for the Kings. | Real Ones
Mar 26, 2025
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Sam Amick, NBA writer for The Athletic, joins the conversation to dissect the Mavericks' recent decision-making and the Kings' long-standing struggles. They ponder whether Anthony Davis should have sat out due to injuries while assessing the Mavericks' playoff chances. The discussion shifts to the Kings, exploring what steps might finally help them regain stability amidst chaos. The trio also debates the MVP race, highlighting standout candidates like Nikola Jokic and the impact of injuries on team dynamics.
The Mavericks face a critical offseason ahead as they reevaluate their strategy to improve roster cohesion after a disappointing season.
The Kings are struggling with internal conflicts and a lack of clear vision, necessitating a strategic overhaul to restore competitiveness.
The MVP race is heavily influenced by team success and player health, with key candidates like Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander under scrutiny.
Deep dives
Rivalry Between Howard and Sam
A lighthearted rivalry exists between Howard and Sam stemming from their college days at Sacramento State and UC Davis, respectively, which has sparked playful banter during their discussions. Howard jokingly claims that their rivalry is well-known, despite it being relatively obscure to the broader audience. Sam, while acknowledging the rivalry, emphasizes the humorous nature of their past, suggesting Howard's age contributes to a historical misunderstanding of the rivalry's significance. This banter sets a lively tone for the podcast, showcasing both individuals' camaraderie and competitive spirit.
Mavericks' Playoff Hopes and Anthony Davis's Return
The return of Anthony Davis to the Mavericks lineup raises questions about the team's direction and playoff aspirations, especially during a season that may be viewed as lost. Some believe it is imprudent for the organization to risk further injury to Davis by allowing him to play when the focus should arguably be on solidifying their lottery position. However, there are arguments that Davis's desire to demonstrate his capabilities and reassure Mavericks fans about their future is another reason for his re-entry into the lineup. Ultimately, the podcast hosts express concern about the implications of Davis’s return, emphasizing the tension between individual ambitions and the team's overall strategy.
Uncertain Future for Mavericks and Their Roster
The Mavericks face a challenging offseason with increased pressure to restructure their roster following disappointing season outcomes linked to injuries and roster decisions. With key players like Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis facing uncertain futures, there are significant concerns about how to maintain competitiveness without compromising long-term goals. The podcast discusses the potential need for the Mavericks to make significant trades or free agent signings to reshape the team's identity and improve their playoff chances in the upcoming season. However, the emphasis remains on the unknowns, especially as injuries could impact team cohesion and player performance moving forward.
Kings' Turmoil and Rebuilding Efforts
The Kings organization is currently dealing with internal strife and uncertainties regarding their direction following a coaching change and the absence of their key player, De'Aaron Fox. The podcast highlights the challenges of maintaining a competitive team while navigating ownership decisions and the hiring process, particularly focusing on how old players from the past still influence the current environment. There's skepticism about the effectiveness of this leadership model, noting that it may hinder the development of newer prospects and lead to further dysfunction. The discussion emphasizes the need for a clear strategic vision to rejuvenate the team's reputation and performance.
MVP Discussion and its Implications
The podcast discusses the MVP race, focusing on candidates like Nikola Jokic and Shea Gilgeous-Alexander while highlighting how team performance impacts individual accolades. The hosts debate the significance of player injuries and team success, examining how such variables influence MVP voting dynamics. Despite Jokic's impressive performances, his injury status has led to speculation about his ability to secure the MVP title this season, whereas Shea's increasing dominance on a competitive OKC team places him in a strong position for the award. This conversation reflects broader discussions around how performance metrics are weighed against team success in recognizing the best players in the league.
Logan and Howard mf’in Beck are joined by Sam Amick of The Athletic to discuss the Mavericks' recent decisions and the Kings' continuing spiral. Anthony Davis returned for the Mavericks' game against the Nets Monday night in Brooklyn, but should they have just kept him out due to the plethora of other injuries on the team and their standing in the West (3:10)? The Kings are another team clawing for a play-in spot, but the organization has been in disarray for a long time. What steps can they take to finally right the ship (15:46)? Plus, the latest on the MVP race (36:52) and the mailbag (54:01)!
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