The Dallas Mavericks have been a mess ever since the team traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Naturally, fans can't help but be frustrated and blame the person at the center of the changes within the organization.
On Friday, the Mavs were dealt another injury blow after it was revealed that second-year forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper "has a serious right wrist injury and is expected to require season-ending surgery," per Shams Charania of ESPN.
Prosper is only the latest member of the Mavs to suffer a serious health setback, with Kyrie Irving recently being ruled out for the rest of the campaign due to an ACL tear.
It's also worth noting that Anthony Davis, the main player Dallas got in the Doncic trade, has played just one game for the team and has been sidelined for the past month due to a left adductor strain.
Against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, the Mavs were without 10 players, including Dante Exum, Daniel Gafford, Jaden Hardy, Kai Jones, Dereck Lively II, Caleb Martin and P.J. Washington.
Another injury blow to Dallas: Mavericks forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper has a serious right wrist injury and is expected to require season-ending surgery, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/cVpBMtYjoJ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 7, 2025
Amid Dallas' injury woes, fans couldn't help but agree that the team is "cursed." Several supporters also pinned the blame on general manager Nico Harrison, especially since he has been painted as the mastermind of the Doncic trade.
While the Mavericks are struggling to keep their players healthy, Doncic has been thriving with the Lakers and has actually helped lead them to eight straight wins. In his last five games with the Purple and Gold, Doncic has averaged 28.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 9.2 assists and 2.0 steals.
"Not sure how but I'm certain it's this man's fault," Action Network wrote along with a photo of Harrison. Another one said, "Just beating a dead horse at this point The basketball gods are really punishing Nico for trading Luka."
"Ok Nico actually placed a curse on this team," a poster added.
A Dallas faithful bluntly stated, "This is Nico Harrison's fault. A fifth social media user shared, "The Nico curse."
"Nico Harrison has cursed that franchise," a social media user noted.
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) and Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77). © Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images © Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
It remains to be seen if the Mavs will be able to stay in contention for a playoff or play-in spot amid their injury problems. However, things are not looking good for the franchise.
Related: Lakers' Austin Reaves Leaves No Doubt About His Opinion of Luka Doncic
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This story was originally published March 8, 2025 at 4:51 AM.