The Dallas Mavericks find themselves at the bottom of the NBA power rankings, recently labeled as the “most miserable” franchise in the league. After trading away superstar Luka Doncic, the team’s hopes for a successful season have evaporated amid a series of injuries and disappointing performances.
The fallout from the trade has been swift and severe. Kyrie Irving suffered a torn ACL, leaving the Mavs without their primary scoring option. Anthony Davis, another key acquisition, is also sidelined with an injury, compounding the team’s woes and leading to a significant drop in their competitive edge.

Currently sitting at 10th in the Western Conference, the Mavericks are struggling to maintain any semblance of consistency. With a record hovering around .500, they are barely clinging to a play-in tournament spot, and their chances of making the playoffs grow slimmer by the day. The absence of key players has exposed the lack of depth on the roster, forcing lesser-known talents into prominent roles.
Fan sentiment towards the franchise is increasingly negative, fueled by frustrations over recent management decisions. The trade that sent Doncic away has alienated many supporters, who now question the direction of the team. This discontent is reflected in attendance and engagement, as the once-enthusiastic fanbase grapples with disappointment.
Dallas Mavericks Named The Most Miserable Franchise in the NBA Today

Mavs fans aren’t too happy with their franchise, especially after trading Doncic to the Lakers. This is detailed more in an analysis by Andy Bailey for Bleacher Report.
At this point, there’s a very real chance Dallas does not make the playoffs. And while the Mavs do have control of their own first-rounder this summer, they were too good prior to the trade to have a decent shot at the No. 1 pick.
The Mavs will have another bite at the apple in 2026, but win-now moves the team made in the years leading up to this one mean they don’t have control of their picks in 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
In short, in the space of just a few weeks, Dallas went from one of the brightest futures in the NBA to one of the bleakest.
Moving forward, the Mavs face a critical juncture. With their championship window seemingly closed, the organization must consider whether to rebuild or attempt to salvage the current roster. The upcoming offseason will be pivotal in determining the franchise’s future trajectory.

Dallas’ ranking as the most miserable franchise highlights the significant challenges they face. As injuries mount and fan support wanes, the team’s leadership must act decisively to restore hope and competitiveness in the seasons to come.

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