The key to Dallas' on-court success is actually found off the court
Camaraderie, for a locker room, can make or break a team and a season. And as a players-coach, Jason Kidd understands that once a season starts, the only thing that holds a team together is a brotherhood and common mission to win and care for one another every night. "The biggest thing is the closeness […]
Camaraderie, for a locker room, can make or break a team and a season.
And as a players-coach, Jason Kidd understands that once a season starts, the only thing that holds a team together is a brotherhood and common mission to win and care for one another every night.
"The biggest thing is the closeness of a team," Kidd said of what brings success. "As a player [in] Dallas, Phoenix and New Jersey, you saw friendship. The competitiveness wasn't about trying to embarrass anybody in practice – it was to make each other better.
"This team [Dallas] really enjoys one another: during the games, at practice, and on the road. I would say that gives the advantage to your team, that when things get a little tough – because you trust and you're close – good thing will happen in those situations."
Throughout training camp and the NBA preseason, the topic surrounding Dallas is the apparent love for playing together. Kidd audaciously preached chemistry and accountability out of the belief that those traits will make the difference for a Mavericks team that hasn't sniffed the ceiling of its present potential.
Last season, though COVID-19 safety precautions played a factor, the team lacked the same level of cohesion present now under Kidd. A few factors come to mind as to why cohesion now exists: the players feel empowered within Kidd's system, a fresh voice injected a breath of life throughout the organization, accountability is making a difference, and Kidd's vocal sense of humility makes him approachable to the players.
It isn't that former Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle was doing anything wrong. He just wasn't the voice this version of the Mavericks needed.
Positive impacts in the locker room
One player who spoke of the positives under Kidd is Kristaps Porzingis. For the first time since his arrival in Dallas, he feels as though he can utilize the depth of his skill set within the offensive system.
"This system fits my game better," Porzingis said after scoring 17 points against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday.
In Kidd empowering Porzingis to be himself, his teammates have noticed a version of the former all-star that's not only better on the floor but more confident as well.
"From what I've seen right now, he got better," Frank Ntilikina said. "Everybody is so locked in, and he [Porzingis] is the first. From what I can see so far, he is doing great."
Yes, winning stops and starts with Dallas' otherworldly point guard, Luka Dončić. But even Batman needs Robin. And with Kidd's steady leadership, it appears that Porzingis is finally ready to fill those shoes.
Chemistry and positivity
Dončić and Porzingis' relationship has often been dissected and cross-examined. However, throughout the preseason, both parties look eager to play with one another. They've been seen smiling and laughing on the court and sidelines during games. They've celebrated teammates' success together. And, when on the floor, they've played relatively well with one another.
For what feels like the first time since the NBA bubble, Dallas actually may have a dynamic one-two punch in Porzingis and Dončić.
The sense of brotherhood starts at the top. If Porzingis and Dončić see eye-to-eye, odds are the rest of the team will fall in line. Part of last season's failures ought to fall on the shoulders of this strenuous duo which failed to get on the same page.
Under Kidd, that doesn't appear to be a problem – yet. And the positive chemistry radiating from Dallas' two best players has contributed to the overall improvement in player-to-player relationships across the roster.
"The chemistry is there," Boban Marjanovic said. "It is so amazing to just be around. I really enjoy every moment I spend here."
The Mavericks' backup center added that after a year where chemistry was hard to foster, going on the road and talking to teammates allows them to truly know one another and have a vested interest in rooting for each other.
"When we go on the road, we talk and try to find out something personal," Marjanovic said. "It's at that time you get close to your team."
Season tip-off and expectations
Dallas starts its 82-game campaign on Thursday, Oct. 21, against the Atlanta Hawks. It is the first game that will count after an undefeated preseason. Many are expecting Dončić to put forth an MVP year. And many more are anxious to see how Dallas improves under Kidd. However, what stands evident – at least through the preseason – is Kidd's presence has already improved some of Dallas' key weaknesses: chemistry and camaraderie.
And with all the chips on the table, having teammates that like each other and want to win for one another may make all the difference in reaching the goals set out by everyone throughout the Mavericks organization.
"We can't have any excuses," Kidd said. "We can only control what we can control. And we have enough guys that can compete. We just gotta go play the game."
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Feature image via Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports.
