Dallas Mavericks

Report: Rick Carlisle accused Dennis Smith Jr. of being ‘jealous’ of Luka Doncic

Published by
Jason Simpson

Multiple seasons ago, Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic was reportedly bothered by an accusation that former Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle made.

Carlisle apparently accused former Mavericks youngster Dennis Smith Jr. of being “jealous” of Doncic. Smith and Doncic had formed a close relationship after becoming teammates on the Mavericks, so it’s not surprising that Doncic was seemingly annoyed with the claim.

Doncic reportedly “resented” the accusation and saw it as an attempt by Carlisle to pit Doncic and Smith against each other.

“Multiple players were shocked during one early-season team meeting when Carlisle accused Smith of being jealous of Doncic, sources said,” wrote Tim MacMahon of ESPN. “The players considered it incredibly unfair to Smith, who wasn’t playing well but was making an honest effort to mesh with Doncic on the court.

 

“Doncic particularly resented what he perceived as Carlisle’s attempt to pit him against his friend and teammate, team sources said.”

Smith was eventually traded to the New York Knicks, ending his time with the Mavericks organization. Carlisle’s time with Dallas is over as well. He resigned as the organization’s head coach this past June.

It’s certainly an interesting story that perhaps offers some insight into what Dallas’ culture was like under Carlisle.

Today, the Mavericks are hoping Doncic will be able to lead them to the promised land sooner or later. The superstar is one of the league’s best young players, and if Dallas surrounds him with the right pieces, he might ultimately be able to get the organization its first title since 2011.

Jason Simpson

Jason is a copy writer and editor with experience covering professional sports and current events. He is excited about being a part of the Ahn Fire Digital team.

Published by
Jason Simpson

Recent Posts

Report: NBA GM believed Grizzlies would have had to shop Ja Morant this summer before they fired Taylor Jenkins

Earlier on in the year, long before the Memphis Grizzlies dismissed Taylor Jenkins after he…

7 hours ago

Ja Morant opens up about Grizzlies firing Taylor Jenkins: ‘It’s tough for me’

Guard Ja Morant suited up for the first time since the Memphis Grizzlies fired Taylor…

1 day ago

Tyrese Haliburton on ‘easy decision’ to name SGA MVP: ‘If you took a player poll, I’m sure he would win’

Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a compelling case to win this season's MVP…

2 days ago

Report: ‘Early expectation’ is that Clint Capela will sign elsewhere this summer

Big man Clint Capela is in his fifth season playing for the Atlanta Hawks, and…

4 days ago

Stephen A. says LeBron is in his feelings: ‘Could it be because I don’t believe you’re the G.O.A.T.?’

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith claimed on Wednesday that if his confrontation with Los Angeles Lakers…

5 days ago

LeBron James reflects on 2007 Cavs roster that he took to NBA Finals: ‘How is that possible?’

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James recently reflected on the 2006-07 Cleveland Cavaliers and their…

6 days ago