By james art 
Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images
As the Dallas Mavericks begin their quest for a second straight trip to the NBA Finals, the team remains confident in head coach Jason Kidd’s ability to continue leading the star duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
According to ESPN’s Tim McMahon, “Many in the Dallas organization believe Kidd is uniquely suited to bring out the best in the superstar duo of Doncic and Irving, who sometimes clash with their head coaches, as Kidd did at times throughout his tenure.” two decades of playing career.”
Irving told McMahon that he and other players on the team respect Kidd’s experience and the way he approaches his leadership role.
“Beyond him being a Hall of Famer and being like a trusted thinker with a high IQ?” Irving said. “He’s also human enough to understand what irritates a player and what makes a player go in a positive way.”
Doncic and Irving spearheaded an incredible playoff run last season in which the Mavs defeated three of the top four teams in the Western Conference on their way to the NBA Finals for the first time since their 2011 championship victory.
Dallas lost to the Boston Celtics in five games, but it looks like the team’s future is still bright. Four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson headlines a list of key offseason acquisitions that will try to ensure last year’s performance was no fluke.
The Mavs are set to open the 2024-25 season Thursday night against the San Antonio Spurs at 7:30 PM ET on TNT.