Mavericks ownership troubled by stumbling start, negativity

The negativity around the Mavericks is starting to take a toll.

Marc Stein of The Stein Line reports that ownership is troubled by the constant swirl — the chatter, the vibe — around this 3-7 start.

Stein also reminds that Luka Doncic and the Lakers are 7-3. That contrast hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“With the Mavericks already in a significant hole when it comes to simply reaching the playoffs,” Stein wrote, “league sources tell The Stein Line that the rising and virtually ceaseless negativity that surrounds the franchise is indeed wearing on and troubling ownership.”

It’s not hard to see why.

Kyrie Irving is out with an ACL tear. Anthony Davis is already hurt. Klay Thompson has been benched for D’Angelo Russell. And the offense has been flat-out brutal.

Through 10 games, Dallas ranks 30th in points per game, 30th in offensive rating and 25th in net rating. They rank seventh in points allowed and fourth in defensive rating, which is about the only thing keeping them upright.

Rookie Cooper Flagg has looked the part. The Duke product is averaging 13.9 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists. But that’s not enough to stem the tide.

Davis has played in just five games this season and only 14 total since the blockbuster Doncic deal last year.

And here’s where this gets louder.

Those in NBA circles are starting to wonder if GM Nico Harrison makes it through the season. He still has two years left on his deal. But Mavericks home crowds have already again had nights of “Fire Nico!” chants. (As an aside, security has been tossing out fans who yell it or show signs.)

The Mavericks host the Bucks on Monday. The noise is not slowing down.