A critical decision looms large for the Dallas Mavericks
Winning cures all ills, and of late the Dallas Mavericks have been feeling great. Dallas has won seven-straight games following Monday night's 111-106 victory over the Houston Rockets. The winning ways are in part due to Luka Doncic's otherworldly play. Doncic is averaging 41 points during Dallas' current win streak. But it's not Doncic alone. […]
Winning cures all ills, and of late the Dallas Mavericks have been feeling great.
Dallas has won seven-straight games following Monday night's 111-106 victory over the Houston Rockets. The winning ways are in part due to Luka Doncic's otherworldly play. Doncic is averaging 41 points during Dallas' current win streak. But it's not Doncic alone. Christian Wood, who has been starting recently, is averaging 19 points per game and three blocks in the same stretch — serving as an anchor to Dallas' defense and a perfect partner to Doncic in the pick-and-roll game.
"Luka, we have some weird connection," Wood said after Monday's win. "These guys trust me to make big shots and make big defensive plays. We go together like ice cream and fudge."
That makes this pairing so exciting: Unlike the Kristaps Porzingis pairing, Wood and Doncic work well together.
"They play off each other well," Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said. "It's fun to watch. C Wood understands. He's competitive, wants to win, and wants to help Luka win."
Thus making Tuesday's news intriguing.
Dallas is reportedly interested in offering Wood an extension that takes the form of a two-year deal.
According to Tim MacMahon of ESPN, the deal would carry a maximum total value of $36 million. And if Wood doesn't agree to those terms, the Mavs may explore trading him before the February deadline.
In total, Dallas could offer a four-year extension. However, in line with Dallas' history, the organization wants to keep a clean cap sheet for potential free agents in 2025.
Dallas traded for Wood in the offseason after two years in Houston. He was labeled as a malcontent and even suspended for a game following his refusal to sub into a game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
That is a long cry from the Wood the Mavericks have received.
On the year, he's averaging 17.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game.
His insertion into the starting lineup has coincided with a different brand of basketball Dallas is playing. And the good news is, it's working.
Winning cures all ills. As do Doncic and Wood playing together — only time will tell if they get to stay together.
Related Dallas Mavericks reading
"Column: Dallas' win streak is a product of a familiar trait."
"Luka Doncic did something Wil Chamberlain couldn't even do."
"Column: Luka Doncic validates his greatness, again."
Feature image via Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
