The Dallas Mavericks made waves in free agency with a surprising move, opting to sign D’Angelo Russell as a temporary replacement for the injured Kyrie Irving, who is sidelined due to ACL surgery. While the Mavericks also re-signed Daniel Gafford to a contract extension and plan to bring back Dante Exum, their free agency period was otherwise quiet, with Russell’s acquisition standing out as their only major addition. The decision to choose Russell over other notable options, particularly the legendary Chris Paul, has raised eyebrows, with NBA insider Marc Stein shedding light on the unexpected influence of star big man Anthony Davis in the Mavericks’ choice.
Why D’Angelo Russell?
According to Marc Stein, the Mavericks’ decision to sign Russell was heavily influenced by his prior chemistry with Anthony Davis, a key figure in Dallas’ frontcourt. The two players previously teamed up with the Los Angeles Lakers, giving the Mavericks confidence in Russell’s ability to complement Davis on the court. “Dallas is also said to see him as a better fit alongside star big man Anthony Davis after Davis and Russell just played together with the Lakers,” Stein reported. This familiarity is seen as a critical factor, especially as the Mavericks aim to maintain offensive cohesion while Irving recovers.
In addition to his fit with Davis, the Mavericks believe Russell can seamlessly transition into a supplementary role once Irving returns. Stein noted, “There is a belief in Dallas that Russell, in addition to leading the Mavericks’ efforts to cope without the injured Kyrie Irving, will find it easier to carve out a supplementary role when Irving is back playing after rehabbing from his ACL tear.” This versatility makes Russell an attractive option for a team looking to balance short-term needs with long-term roster dynamics.
The Chris Paul Alternative
While Russell was the Mavericks’ choice, they also considered other high-profile guards, including Malcolm Brogdon and Chris Paul. Paul, a future Hall of Famer, ultimately opted to return to the LA Clippers for what may be the final season of his storied career. The Mavericks’ decision to pass on Paul, despite his experience and playmaking prowess, came down to fit and long-term planning. At this stage in his career, Paul’s role as a primary ball-handler might have overlapped too much with Irving’s upon his return, potentially creating redundancy in the backcourt.
In contrast, Russell’s youth and ability to adapt to a secondary role made him a more appealing choice. At 29 years old, Russell is still in his prime and offers a blend of scoring and playmaking that can support Dallas’ star-studded lineup without overshadowing it.
Russell’s Challenges and Potential
Russell’s tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers last season was underwhelming, as he shot a career-low 31.4% from three-point range before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith. Despite this dip in performance, the Mavericks are optimistic that Russell can rediscover his shooting touch. With a roster that includes several former Lakers, including Davis and Max Christie (acquired in the Luka Doncic trade), Dallas hopes the familiarity among these players will help Russell regain his form.
The Mavericks’ current roster lacks perimeter creation, making Russell’s role crucial. His ability to create shots off the dribble and stretch the floor will be vital, especially in Irving’s absence. If Russell can return to his 2022-23 form, when he shot 39.6% from three with the Lakers, he could provide the offensive spark Dallas needs to stay competitive in the Western Conference.
The most shocking aspect of this move is the reported influence of Anthony Davis in the decision-making process. As one of the Mavericks’ cornerstone players, Davis’ prior experience playing alongside Russell gave Dallas’ front office confidence in the signing. Their time together in Los Angeles, where they showcased moments of offensive synergy, likely played a pivotal role in convincing the Mavericks that Russell could thrive in their system. This connection underscores the importance of chemistry in roster construction, particularly for a team with championship aspirations.
The Mavericks’ decision to prioritize Russell over a veteran like Chris Paul reflects their focus on building a cohesive unit around their core players, including Davis and the soon-to-return Irving. While Russell’s recent performance raises some concerns, his potential to rediscover his shooting stroke and mesh with Dallas’ stars makes him a calculated gamble. As the Mavericks navigate a competitive Western Conference, all eyes will be on Russell to prove that he was the right choice—and that Anthony Davis’ influence was a game-changer in shaping Dallas’ offseason strategy.