The Dallas Mavericks signed D'Angelo Russell to a two-year $11.6 million deal this summer. While this isn't necessarily bad value, the Mavs are counting on Russell to play a significant role with Kyrie Irving set to miss a significant chunk of the season. Undoubtedly, Mavs fans will soon realize Russell's inconsistency makes him a difficult player to win with at the highest level. This is something Minnesota Timberwolves fans know all too well.
D-Lo spent four years with the Wolves, posting averages of 18.5 points, 6.5 assists, and 3.2 rebounds on 43.2/36.6/82.3 shooting splits. These are great numbers; however, throughout his career, Russell has been unable to contribute to winning basketball at the highest level.
The Wolves saw this when he disappeared in the 2022 playoffs, averaging 12 points on sub-40 percent shooting from the field. Russell also performed poorly in the playoffs with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers. His inconsistent scoring, questionable decision-making, and poor defense are connected to his shortcomings in the playoffs.
Russell's weaknesses are undeniable
When Minnesota traded Russell for Mike Conley and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, the Wolves benefited from Conley's stability and ultimately made the conference finals in the first full season with him. Conley's skill set brought the best out of Anthony Edwards. While Conley is a better fit next to Edwards, playing next to Ant certainly helped maximize Russell's impact.
Russell is a widely talented yet inconsistent lead guard. While he's a gifted scorer and playmaker, Russell also lacks burst and often struggles as a decision-maker. Russell takes risky contested shots, which disrupts the offense and limits his team's upside, especially during his frequent cold streaks. He is also fairly turnover-prone, averaging 2.6 turnovers for his career.
However, Russell's worst trait is subpar defense, which makes him a clear target. Russell's lack of quickness and poor positioning are central to his shortcomings. While the Mavs have the personnel to cover up his weaknesses, this will always be a problem for Russell.
Russell could hurt the Mavs this season
The Mavs have playoff aspirations, and while contention is far-fetched, that certainly appears to be a goal for Nico Harrison this season. Nevertheless, Russell poses a concern for the Mavericks. It's unclear when Kyrie will be back in the mix, but it will likely be fairly late into the season. As a result, the Mavericks will be counting on Russell as their primary perimeter creator, which will limit their offensive upside. To maximize Russell's impact, you need more perimeter talent around him.
Dallas has openly discussed using Cooper Flagg in a point forward role. However, Russell is clearly their lead guard and main perimeter creator. Russell's problems will be even more on display given his role in the Mavs' offense and that he is coming off a career-worst season. Unfortunately, for the Mavs, depending too much on Russell could derail their season, especially since he showed signs of decline last season and his well-known inconsistent play.