NBA opens investigation into Dallas Mavericks resting players in loss to Chicago Bulls

The NBA is investigating the Dallas Maverick’s decision to rest several players against the Chicago Bulls last Friday, according to multiple reports.

Dallas did not play Kyrie Irving (right foot injury), Josh Green (halftime), Tim Hardaway Jr. (left ankle pain), Maxi Kleber (right hamstring injury recovery) and Christian Wood (half-time), while Luka Doncic played alone in the first quarter of the game.

The Maverick’s would lose the game 115-112, officially eliminating them from postseason contention. Their 2023 first round pick is currently slated to be the 10th overall pick and the loss to Chicago, combined with a possible loss to the San Antonio Spurs, could be a good way to ensure the pick is in the top 10 stays.

However, the Dallas pick was sent to the New York Knicks with a top-10 protection as part of the Kristaps Porzingis trade in 2019. If the pick remains in the top-10, he would stay with the Mavericks and move to New York in 2024 moving York.

“The NBA today launched an investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding the Dallas Mavericks’ roster decisions and game conduct related to last night’s Chicago Bulls-Mavericks game, including the motivations behind those actions,” NBA spokesman Mike Bass said. Saturday.

Speaking to reporters, Maverick’s coach Jason Kidd said it was an “organizational decision” that he agreed to because it was what his bosses wanted.

Kidd also said after the game, “It’s not so much the waving of the white flag. Sometimes it’s tough decisions in this industry, and you have to make tough decisions.”

“We are trying to build a championship team, and sometimes you have to take a step back. Understanding with this decision, this may be a step backwards, but hopefully it will lead to progress.”

The admission certainly hints at a team that is tanking in hopes of getting a higher draft pick and the hopes of bringing in a groundbreaking player.