Dallas Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks: The Ailing Franchise in Dallas?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Nov 19, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Seth Curry (30) stays down after a fall holding his ankle during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. The Magic won 95-87. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Mavericks continue to fight through injury, offensive woes, and more as they have slumped to a 2-13 record to start the season. Meanwhile, the other Dallas teams are currently part of either winning programs or teams that have already made their run in the playoffs.

The Dallas sports teams are in an interesting spot right now. There are a lot of people who predicted very different results between the big 4 sports teams that call Dallas, Texas home. The year 2016 is shaping up to be a good one…for the most part.

The Rangers are coming off a great season, the Stars are hoping to replicate their success from last season, and the Cowboys have become the team of destiny behind two unlikely leaders.

With every team having successful seasons during this calendar year, what is happening to the Dallas Mavericks right now? Are they becoming the ailing franchise of this city? Let’s take a look at what every team has done so far.

(EDITORS NOTE caption correction) Oct 9, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Texas Rangers second baseman Rougned Odor (12) celebrates with third baseman Adrian Beltre (29) after a two-run home run against the Toronto Blue Jays in the fourth inning during game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Texas Rangers

In October, the Texas Rangers went from the best record in the AL to a series sweep by the hands of the Toronto Blue Jays. The Rangers looked like they couldn’t be beat with a stellar pitching staff and a lineup that could put up runs in a hurry.

Sadly, it didn’t last with the Rangers falling in the first round of the playoffs. This was a very up and down year for the baseball team, but hopes are high that they will be back and ready to compete next year.

Although the Rangers were not able to execute in the playoffs, they have many returning starters and will undoubtedly have a great team again in the coming year. We can all look forward to Texas Rangers baseball in the years to come.

Keep watch on Adrian Beltre, Rougned Odor, Cole Hamels, and Yu Darvish when the season begins.

Nov 25, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Esa Lindell (23) and right wing Patrick Eaves (18) and center Tyler Seguin (91) and left wing Jamie Benn (14) and defenseman John Klingberg (3) celebrate Lindell

Dallas Stars

Then there are the Stars. The Dallas Stars finished last season with the best record in the Western Conference and the 2nd best record in the league at 50-23-9 with 109 total points. The Stars looked primed for a deep run into the playoffs, only to reach their kryptonite in the 2nd round, the St. Louis Blues.

Much like the Blue Jays for the Rangers, the Blues seem to have had the Stars number over the last few years, but especially last season. Dallas looks to correct that as this season has been underway for a little while now. The Stars are not quite where they were last year but still pose a threat to anyone in the league on any given night.

The Stars will make their way back up the standings this year as long as they can fight off the injury bug. A 9-8-2 start is not near where the team started last year, but it is not bad either. The team looks like it is getting better each gamea as well.

The Stars continue to be led by Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin, and Patrick Eaves, with Antti Niemi and Kari Lehtonen still switching off in goal.

Nov 24, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (left) and running back Ezekiel Elliott (right) are interviewed after the win against the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys defeat the Redskins 31-26. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys

Then we have the Cowboys. The Dallas Cowboys have had a season that no one could have predicted as they have stormed out to a 10-1 record after losing the first game of the season. This is the first time in franchise history that the Cowboys have won 10 straight games in a season.

Did I mention that the quarterback and running back are both rookies? Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott have made this Cowboys team more than just a contender for a super bowl. They have also made this one of the most entertaining teams in the league.

It remains to be seen whether or not they make a run in the playoffs, but the point is, the Cowboys have already taken Dallas back with this team. Keep watching the Boys each week for amazing play and unbelievable rookies taking over.

The Cowboys have 5 more games in the season and have all but sealed their spot atop the NFC East. They also are leading the entire NFC, ahead of the Seattle Seahawks by a game and a half. Aside from the two rookies, keep an eye on Dez Bryant and Cole Beasley, and Sean Lee on the defensive end.

Nov 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) shoots as Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) defends during the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks have clearly not had the successful season that the rest of the teams in the metroplex have had. While the Stars and Rangers are coming off years of leading their conference and the Cowboys are in the midst of the same accomplishment, the Mavs limped into the playoffs last season only to lose to the Thunder, 4-1 in the first round.

Although a playoff appearance would be considered a successful season for most franchises, the Mavs and their fans demand excellence after what they have seen over essentially the last two decades. Now, with a 2-13 record to start the season, Mavs fans are losing hope.

Dallas has been hit hard with the injury bug at the start of this season. 5 of the 8 best players on the roster have missed multiple games and a few of them are still out. For this reason, it is hard to count Dallas out fully. They will end with a better record than people think. That’s what Dirk and Barnes do.

As always, keep an eye on the Mavericks stars, Dirk Nowitzki, Harrison Barnes, and Wesley Matthews. They are the ones that will bring Dallas back into relevancy.

Despite the Mavs lack of success recently and especially to start this season, it is no secret that the Dallas metroplex is putting multiple teams out on the court/field/ice that are formidable opponents that are feared in their respective leagues. The Mavericks just need to work to make it a clean sweep.