While Harrison prioritized a short-term window behind Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving before the ping-pong balls miraculously led to the selection of top pick Cooper Flagg, perhaps Riccardi and Finley could decide it’s best to build the roster around the 18-year-old future face of the franchise.

The loss dropped Cooper Flagg and the Mavs to 3-9. It was also their second loss in a row, as they started their four-game homestand with a 116-114 defeat to Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday.

The Dallas Mavericks entered this year hoping to hold steady in the Western Conference playoff race until Kyrie Irving returns, at which point they could fully take off into a legitimate contender.