Mavericks rumors: What really irked Jason Kidd after Luka Doncic trade
The post Mavericks rumors: What really irked Jason Kidd after Luka Doncic trade appeared first on ClutchPoints.
The dust from Luka Dončić's trade to the Los Angeles Lakers on February 1 is still settling in Dallas, and so is the frustration. For head coach Jason Kidd, the months that followed were not just chaotic on the court but also took a personal toll as he faced the media.
Advertisement
As reported by James L. Edwards III of The Athletic, Kidd 'didn't always enjoy being Dallas' spokesperson in the aftermath of the franchise trading Luka Dončić.' And honestly, who could blame him?
When the Mavericks traded Dončić to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a future first-round pick, fans were furious. Just a year after making a Finals appearance in 2024, the team decided to part ways with their star player. Dončić, despite his imperfections, was the face of the franchise — a generational talent you build around, not let go.
In the weeks that followed the trade, Kidd found himself constantly answering questions about a decision he didn't even make. Meanwhile, Mavs general manager Nico Harrison held just one press conference right after the trade and then mostly kept to himself until the end of the season. Kidd, though, faced a barrage of questions, criticism, and confusion from both the media and fans.
It wasn't just the emotional strain; the team's performance took a nosedive after Dončić left. They were sitting at 26–23 before the trade but ended up going 13–20 for the rest of the season, failing to make it past the play-in tournament. Injuries played a part — including Daniel Gafford's MCL sprain during a game that saw fans protesting — but the team's chemistry vanished, along with their confidence.
Advertisement
Kidd's discomfort reached a peak that night in Sacramento. For the first time in his coaching career, he skipped the postgame media session, saying he needed 'to regroup.' That silence spoke volumes.
Somehow, amidst all the chaos, Dallas managed to hit the jackpot. Even after a rough patch at the end of the season, the Mavericks snagged the top pick in the NBA Draft and the chance to select Duke superstar Cooper Flagg. This unexpected turn of events could change the game for the franchise's future—and maybe even improve Kidd's position in the process.
However, the wounds are still fresh. Being thrust into the spotlight for a decision that wasn't popular has put a strain on Kidd's relationship with the front office. Reports suggest he was left in the dark about the Dončić trade until it was too late. While Dallas might want to keep Kidd around for this new chapter with Flagg, the big question remains: does Kidd even want to stick around?
If he does, Dallas needs to make sure he's not just a scapegoat moving forward. Navigating through turmoil is part of the coaching gig. But being the only one left standing during a storm you didn't create? That's a weight no coach should have to bear alone.
Related: Mavericks news: Kyrie Irving's 'connected' Cooper Flagg revelation before NBA Draft
Related: NBA rumors: Brian Windhorst claims 'mutual interest' between Jason Kidd, Knicks
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Red Sox-Yankees game gets delayed by chicken bucket that fell from stands
The post Red Sox-Yankees game gets delayed by chicken bucket that fell from stands appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Boston Red Sox picked up a much-needed 10-7 victory over the New York Yankees on Saturday night, giving them an opportunity to win the series on Sunday. Along the way, though, the game was delayed for a very odd reason, and it led to a slew of reactions flying in on social media from fans who were baffled by what they had just seen. Advertisement In the bottom of the eighth inning, New York was attempting to rally from the 8-5 deficit they found themselves in. The game ended up having to be paused briefly, though, because a fan dropped a bucket of chicken on the field, leading the grounds crew to make a quick clean up. Soon after that, DJ LeMahieu hit a two-run single that cut the deficit to 8-7, giving the Yankees a shot to come out on top. 'We had a brief chicken bucket delay. One fell onto the right-field warning track. That led to a 2-run single by DJ LeMahieu, cutting Boston's lead to 8-7,' Chris Kirschner of The Athletic shared in a post on X. Reactions to strange Red Sox-Yankees delay come flying in Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Boston would respond by scoring a pair of runs in the top of the ninth inning to ice this game away, but the chicken bucket incident had already made its mark. After seeing the unique delay, fans began chiming in on social media about the incident, leading to some hilarious comments along the way. Advertisement @JoezMcfly on X credited the chicken bucket for New York's late rally, labeling the incident 'The chicken bucket summoned rally.' @YankeesNerds seemed to believe that the move was intentional, claiming, 'That fan sacrificed his chicken bucket for a DJ hit!' @yankeedoug27 humorously said, 'SPLIT CHICKEN BUCKET comes through!!' At the end of the day, the chicken bucket rally fell short, but just when you think you've seen it all, something new happens in the world of baseball that has never been seen before. Now, the Red Sox and Yankees will square off in the rubber match of this three-game series, with first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET on Sunday night. Related: MLB rumors: Phillies, Mariners, Cubs, Padres are 'aggressive' trade deadline buyers Related: 2025 MLB trade deadline: Ranking 10 best players potentially available
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Randy Johnson admits change in personality after legendary career
The post Randy Johnson admits change in personality after legendary career appeared first on ClutchPoints. Randy Johnson, one of baseball's most dominant left-handed pitchers, enjoyed a legendary 22-year career. Nicknamed 'The Big Unit,' he pitched for six teams: the Montreal Expos, Seattle Mariners, Houston Astros, Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Yankees, and San Francisco Giants. Notably, the Diamondbacks named him as one of the first inductees into their franchise Hall of Fame. Advertisement Johnson recently joined Jon Morosi on the Road to Cooperstown podcast. According to Morosi, their conversation stood out. 'Of all the Hall of Famers I've interviewed for the full hour, the Randy Johnson conversation was the one in which I asked the fewest questions,' he said. 'His answers were that in-depth and, in many ways, probably unexpected for fans.' Importantly, Morosi emphasized how much Johnson had changed. Gone is the intense figure who once glared from the mound. Instead, listeners heard a more reflective and candid version of the Hall of Famer. 'If I wasn't that person on the mound at the time, then we probably wouldn't have achieved what we did,' Johnson explained. 'I wouldn't have had the career or the season I did. So, I look at it that way.' He continued, 'You go about your business your way, and I'll go about mine. Do I have some regrets? Yeah, maybe along the way.' Over the course of his career (1988–2009), Johnson compiled an incredible record. He made ten All-Star teams (1990, 1993–1995, 1997, 1999–2002, 2004) and won five Cy Young Awards (1995, 1999–2002). In addition, he led the league in strikeouts nine times and ERA four times. His 2002 season was historic, he captured the pitching Triple Crown with 24 wins, a 2.32 ERA, and 334 strikeouts. Advertisement He also delivered two no-hitters. One came on June 2, 1990, for Seattle, the franchise's first. The other, a perfect game, came on May 18, 2004, when Johnson was 40 years old. At the time, he became the oldest pitcher ever to throw a perfect game. Furthermore, he starred in the 2001 World Series, winning three games and earning co-MVP honors. No pitcher had done that since Mickey Lolich in 1968. Statistically, Johnson's numbers remain staggering. He recorded 303 career wins, a 3.29 ERA, and 4,875 strikeouts, ranking second all-time behind Nolan Ryan. In 1995, he went 18–2 and helped lead Seattle to its first-ever postseason, earning his first Cy Young Award. Despite his dominance, Johnson remains humble. Reflecting on today's game, he admitted he might not thrive in modern MLB because, as he put it, 'everyone throws so hard.' In 2015, Johnson entered the Baseball Hall of Fame with 97.3% of the vote on his first ballot. Looking ahead, the Mariners will retire his iconic No. 51 in 2026 to honor the 35th anniversary of his first no-hitter. Related: 2025 MLB Power Rankings, Vol 13: Trouble brewing at the top Related: Red Sox-Yankees game gets delayed by chicken bucket that fell from stands
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Astros' rookie makes bonkers catch in 5th MLB game
The post Astros' rookie makes bonkers catch in 5th MLB game appeared first on ClutchPoints. Astros rookie Jacob Melton turned heads in just his fifth Major League game, delivering a highlight-reel moment in right field. Advertisement The No. 2 prospect in Houston's system, Melton debuted on June 1 in a 1–0 win over the Tampa Bay Rays. Then, in the bottom of the fifth inning against the Cleveland Guardians, Melton sprinted toward the foul line and launched himself into the air for a sensational diving catch. He robbed Angel Martinez of a potential extra-base hit. Consequently, the play ended the inning and preserved Houston's 3–1 lead, stunning the crowd at Progressive Field. Houston drafted Melton in 2022. He began his career with the Florida Complex League Astros and Single-A Fayetteville Woodpeckers before rising through the ranks. Eventually, he earned a promotion to Triple-A Sugar Land. On June 1, the Astros called him up to the majors. In his debut, Melton went 1-for-3 with two strikeouts. However, he still impressed with a game-saving catch in the ninth inning. So far, through five games, he's slashed .188/.235/.188 with three hits, two RBIs, and six strikeouts in 16 at-bats. While his offense remains a work in progress, his defensive impact has already been felt. Advertisement Meanwhile, the Astros broke a scoreless tie in the top of the fifth. Brendan Rodgers walked to lead off. After Melton hit into a fielder's choice, Peña did the same, putting runners on first and second. Isaac Paredes then walked to load the bases. Jose Altuve followed with an infield single to bring in Peña. Moments later, Christian Walker knocked a two-run single to right, giving Houston a 3–0 lead. In the bottom half, Cleveland responded. Schneemann reached on an infield hit, followed by singles from Brennan and Wilson. Wilson's knock drove in Schneemann, cutting the lead to 3–1. However, Melton's diving catch moments later halted the rally and kept the momentum with Houston. Shortly after, Rodgers added to the lead with a solo homer in the sixth, making it 4–1. Yet Cleveland answered right back, as David Fry launched a solo shot in the bottom of the inning to bring it to 4–2. From there, Houston's bullpen took over. Despite some late traffic, they closed the door on any comeback attempt. Finally, Josh Hader pitched a clean ninth to earn his 17th save of the season. Advertisement Rookie starter Colton Gordon delivered a solid performance from start to finish. Recently called up to fill gaps left by injured pitchers, Gordon pitched five innings, gave up one run on seven hits, struck out five, and issued no walks. The Houston Astros, now 35–28 and leading the American League West, continue to show their depth and potential for another postseason run. Rookie Colton Gordon set the tone early with five strong innings on the mound, while Jacob Melton stole the spotlight with a game-saving catch in right field. With rising stars stepping up, could this be the spark that fuels another deep playoff push? Related: Astros' Lance McCullers Jr getting extra rest draws Joe Espada explanation Related: 1 untouchable Astros player ahead of trade deadline
