Insider hints at discontent between Luka Doncic, Mavericks

Scott Tomlin, the Mavericks' public relations man, has also been with Dallas for two decades. He's leaving the team this month to work for former Mavs star Dirk Nowitzki. Tomlin and Nowitzki are close, as are Doncic and Tomlin, but it's always suspicious when longtime employees depart.

On the court, there's been some strange decisions as well. Dallas coach Jason Kidd told reporters that one of the Mavericks' two first-round picks, either 19-year-old center Dereck Lively II or 21-year-old Olivier-Maxence "O-Max" Prosper "probably will be a starter." That's in an attempt to improve the Mavericks' 24th-ranked defense.

However, it's rare to see a rookie excel at defense in the NBA, particularly at center. Williams is good defensively, but has started just 58 games in his four-year career. With quality defenders Bullock and Dorian Finney-Smith gone, the Mavs may not have upgraded as much as they think.

The biggest issue for the Mavericks is the relationship between Doncic and Irving, who has periodically been a destructive presence in NBA locker rooms, whether it's trade demands, a refusal to get vaccinated, sharing antisemitic material or long absences for "personal reasons."

But Doncic is cautiously optimistic, saying, "I think it will be way better."

Of course, that implies it wasn't good before. With big changes in the staff and the roster, the Mavericks need to make sure their relationship with Doncic is still good.