As the 2023-24 NBA season approaches, Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks are planning a redemption trip. During the offseason, the club underwent considerable adjustments in an attempt to erase the memories of a dismal conclusion to the previous season.

All eyes will be on Doncic, who will once again share the spotlight with the freshly acquired Kyrie Irving. The Mavericks have added new players for the next season, including Grant Williams, Seth Curry, and Richaun Holmes.

However, it is not simply the playing roster that has changed. On ESPN’s “The Hoop Collective” podcast, Tim McMahon highlighted notable changes in the coaching staff. Casey Smith, the Mavericks’ long-serving athletic trainer, has been demoted, generating consternation among significant figures.

Among those apparently dissatisfied with this choice is none other than Luka Doncic himself. Doncic’s close relationship with Smith has been well documented, and McMahon speculates that the star player’s relegation may strain the working dynamic between the star player and the Mavericks organization.

Another item of interest is Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd’s recent statement on the team’s guard rotation. Kidd intimated that one of the Mavericks’ first-round picks would get a chance to start, a move that would certainly alleviate the team’s defensive woes, which now rank 24th in the league. While Kidd did not indicate who will fill this position, it is unclear whether Doncic or Irving will be affected.

This decision may spark conjecture about Doncic coming off the bench, but any final decisions will be determined on performance and match dynamics. Kidd is likely to experiment with different lineups early in the upcoming season, keeping fans and pundits on their toes.

The relationship of the two superstar guards, Doncic and Irving, has been a source of contention since Irving’s arrival in Dallas. Critics have questioned whether the two can cohabit well in the long run. Doncic, on the other hand, is hopeful and resolute in his belief that their union will flourish and provide excellent outcomes for the Mavericks.