Day: February 9, 2025

Patrick Dumont ‘Unwavering’ On Wanting Hard Workers On MavericksPatrick Dumont ‘Unwavering’ On Wanting Hard Workers On Mavericks

Patrick Dumont went on the record to discuss the Dallas Mavericks’ decision to trade Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, a shocking trade that came just over a year after the Dumont/Adelson family assumed ownership of the franchise and less than a year after Doncic led the team to The Finals.

“It’s hard to make tough decisions,” Dumont said. “And it’s hard to make the right decisions when they’re tough. And it’s easy to do nothing.

“But when you want to pursue excellence in an organization, you have to make the tough decisions and stand by them and keep going.”

The Mavericks’ previous regime, largely led by Mark Cuban, were responsible for drafting Doncic. Cuban once famously said he would sooner divorce his wife than ever trade Doncic.

“I’m a big Luka fan. My family are big Luka fans. I have a really deep appreciation for what he brought to this team, what he brought to Dallas, and the excitement he brings. He’s an electrifying player.
“I want you to know I really sympathize with all of our fans who feel hurt. Look, as far as I’m concerned, Luka is a Mav for life and I really wish him nothing but happiness and success in his career as he continues in LA.”
While Dumont did speak positively of Doncic, his comments later inferred that there was a cultural decision made by the Mavericks in trading him.
“In my mind the way teams win is by focus, by having the right character, by having the right culture, and having the right dedication to work as hard as possible to create a championship-winning outcome,” Dumont said. “And if you’re not doing that, you’re going to lose.”
Dumont’s tone again turned forceful, according to the Dallas Morning News.
“If you look at the greats in the league, the people you and I grew up with – [Michael] Jordan, [Larry] Bird, Kobe [Bryant], Shaq [O’Neal] – they worked really hard, every day, with a singular focus to win,” he said. “And if you don’t have that, it doesn’t work. And if you don’t have that, you shouldn’t be part of the Dallas Mavericks.
“That’s who we want. I’m unwavering on this. The entire organization knows this. This is how I operate outside of basketball. This is the only way to be competitive and win. If you want to take a vacation, don’t do it with us.”

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Joel Embiid Expects To Undergo Another Knee Surgery In OffseasonJoel Embiid Expects To Undergo Another Knee Surgery In Offseason

Joel Embiid believes he will need to undergo surgery on his left knee again in the offseason. Embiid is dealing with ongoing swelling in his knee, which is limited his availability on an continual basis.

Embiid is hopeful that another surgery and a lengthy recovery period will help resolve the issue. Embiid suffered a meniscus injury in the knee last February, which required surgery. Embiid returned in time for the playoffs and then went on to play in the Olympics in the summer.

Embiid is averaging 24.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 29.9 minutes over 15 games going into Sunday’s contest against the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Sixers signed Embiid to a three-year, $193 million extension before the start of the 24-25 season. Embiid was on the Sixers’ books for five years and just under $300 million heading into the 24-25 season. Embiid holds a player option in 28-29 at $69.1 million.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo Out Through All-Star Break With Calf StrainGiannis Antetokounmpo Out Through All-Star Break With Calf Strain

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo will be out through the All-Star break due to a mild calf strain. Antetokounmpo will miss the All-Star Game, but it expected to return to the lineup shortly after the All-Star break.

Antetokounmpo has missed the Bucks last three games with the injuries. The star forward will also miss homes games on Sunday and Monday against the Philadelphia 76ers and Golden State Warriors, as well as a road game at the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Adam Silver will select a replacement for Antetokounmpo for next week’s All-Star Game. That replacement will come from the Eastern Conference, even though the players have been divided into rosters for a mini-tournament to be played in place of the All-Star Game.

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