The utter collapse of the Dallas Mavericks in the last few weeks of the season is still being talked about.
Led by the star power of Luka Doncic, they were once thought of as championship contenders.
But following the trade deadline, the team crumbled and eventually missed the playoffs entirely.
Their fate was all but sealed when their final game of the season arrived.
During that game, Doncic only played for the first quarter and multiple stars sat out, raising the eyebrows of many who believed the team was trying to lose so they could retain their chances of keeping a first-round pick in the upcoming 2023 NBA Draft.
The league issued a statement on Friday, saying they agreed with that idea.
“The Mavericks violated the league’s player resting policy and demonstrated through actions and public statements the organization’s desire to lose the game in order to improve the chances of keeping its first-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft,” the league said.
Because of this, the team has been fined $750,000.
The following was released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/t92m7uPKR1
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) April 14, 2023
No one would blame the Mavericks for wanting to hold onto their first-round pick.
The team was in such bad shape that it made sense for them to focus on the future instead of the floundering season.
They also knew that violating the rules of the league would probably be noticed.
They were prepared for the ruling and fine.
But they will accept it gladly because it means that they still have that coveted first-round pick.
Now it’s time to see if they hold onto the pick or trade it away.
They are losing a lot of money for this draft selection so it better be worth it.
NEXT: NBA Insider Reveals A Massive Mavericks Fine
