Injuries have decimated the Mavericks throughout the season and have affected nearly every player on the roster. While there were a few minor injuries, there were others that had long-term ramifications. Both situations led to inconsistent lineups and Dallas' slippage to 10th in the Western Conference.

Now down two stars in Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving due to injury, all signs are pointing towards the team slipping into the NBA Draft lottery, opposed to the postseason. After trading off young superstar Luka Doncic at the trade deadline — a widely discouraged move — the team is now reeling from its once-great spot in the West.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been the hottest team in the NBA, winning 17 of their last 20 games. And, it's not all because of Luka Dončić.

The Mavericks made arguably the worst trade in NBA history one month ago when they sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in the middle of the night. As the Lakers have ascended to the No. 2 seed in the West in the wake of the trade, the Mavericks have collapsed in epic fashion in a way that’s equal parts amazing and heartbreaking to watch.

Nico Harrison chose to shorten the Dallas Mavericks’ title contention window in February when he traded Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Dallas general manager said he believed that with a team built around 31-year-old Anthony Davis and 32-year-old Kyrie Irving,

Basketball lovers across the league should stand in unison with Dallas. At least be delicate and patient. Mavs loyalists need grace.