The frightening reality of missing the postseason is slowly setting in for the Dallas Mavericks. A duo of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic had the expectations to wreak havoc on the league. However, what has transpired couldn’t be further away from the picture. The 2011 NBA champions seem to have lost their way since trading for KAI. The team has failed to adjust to the new dynamic so far. Moreover, frustrations are boiling over the pot. Only a few days ago, Doncic made a disturbing revelation about not being able to smile in their recent contests.

Several reasons can be pinned for the Mavericks’ slump. With the number of changes made to the team, chemistry will understandably take time to build. However, according to a former NBA player, the blame resides on just one man, Kyrie Irving.

Kyrie Irving bears the brunt as Mavericks’ playoff hopes get slim

Before his ongoing stint with the Dallas Mavericks, Irving had got himself into heaps of trouble. His tenure with the Brooklyn Nets in particular was painted with controversies. In addition, it was believed KAI’s absence was the major catalyst behind James Harden deciding to leave Kevin Durant and Irving. While that situation might have been deeper than it looks, the picture still remains the same. Somehow, in some manner, Kyrie Irving is at the center stage of all drama.

Before the eight-time All-Star donned the Mavericks jersey, the franchise was fourth in the West, three games above .500. In his first few games, Irving would uphold the expectations, helping them improve. Sadly, the very core of his arrival has paid no dividends. That would be his dynamic besides Luka Doncic. The duo has a losing record of 4-9 following tonight’s loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.

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A playoff-bound franchise once, the Mavericks are now at risk of not getting the light of the postseason. Speaking about the situation in Dallas, former NBA forward, Matt Barnes believes the core of all problems is Kyrie Irving. Speaking on the ‘What’s Burnin’ show, he said, “It just seems like everywhere Kyrie goes, there is an issue. Now that could be a coincidence, or it could be that Kyrie is the issue. Again, as great a talent he is, a top-five talent no doubt, but just seems like every time he makes a pit stop, s**t gets f***ed up.”

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Barnes did admit he was merely speculating, being unaware of the truths of the locker room. But he also feels it isn’t hard to connect the dots given the track record KAI has left behind.

Why are the Mavericks failing?

As outsiders, it is tough to ascertain the problems that might be staining the locker room. However, there is one thing the fans can clearly see: the game itself. As far as stats go, Irving is playing up to his All-Star mark averaging 26.1 points 5.2 rebounds, and 5.9 assists all while shooting nearly 50% from the floor. On the other hand, Luka Doncic is in the race for being the league’s leading scorer. So what is going wrong when two of their stars are playing out of their minds?

The answer to this is a worry the Mavericks have had long before Kyrie’s arrival, the lack of a rim protector. The Mavericks don’t have a solid defensive enforcer to disturb any offense. Their philosophy relies on scoring more rather than getting stops to score. Their best rim presence is Christian Wood, who has received criticism for his defensive shortcomings as a big.

While Dallas can’t make any trades now, it might be time for Jason Kidd to start thinking of ways to incorporate a high-pressure defense while playing small. This season plays a crucial role in what follows for the Mavericks franchise. A failure to make the playoffs could mean the last of the Irving-Doncic duo.

WATCH THIS STORY: Kyrie Irving’s 5 Most Controversial Moments on NBA Court Amid Ugly Feud with Celtics Fans

If Dallas does fail to make it to the postseason, do you think they should offer an extension to Kyrie Irving and give their star duo a complete season? Let us know your views in the comments below.