When the Dallas Mavericks officially signed D'Angelo Russell, it was one of the most under-the-radar offseason moves across the league that might actually turn out to be a real needle-mover. While other teams spent big on flashy names or made headlines chasing stars, Dallas simply went out and signed D'Angelo Russell to a two-year, $13 million deal. It did not light up the internet, but it might prove to be exactly what this team needed.
Of course, there was no shortage of scoffs at the news. Russell's name comes with baggage, and a lot of fans are quick to point out his history of defensive lapses or cold shooting stretches. But when you step back and actually consider what Dallas needs right now, the move makes a lot more sense than it gets credit for.
This is not the Mavericks team of old. Luka Doncic is no longer in Dallas, and Kyrie Irving is not expected to be healthy on opening night. That leaves a major void in the backcourt, especially if the team wants to stay competitive in the Western Conference. With Cooper Flagg now the centerpiece of the future, it is more important than ever for the Mavericks to have steady guard play around him. Enter D'Lo.
D'Lo may prove a more than solid signing for Dallas
Russell is not going to be confused for a franchise star, but he has proven capable of running an NBA offense. It was just a year ago when he started 69 games for the Lakers and averaged 18 points and six assists, while knocking down 41 percent of his threes. That is not nothing. On a team where he does not have to carry the scoring burden every night and can operate as a secondary playmaker, those numbers become even more valuable.
And really, the risk here is minimal. This is a short-term deal, not a long-term bet. If Russell fits and plays well, Dallas stays afloat until Irving returns and can reassess from there. If it does not work out, the cap sheet only suffers for one additional season, and incurs minimal damage.
There is also something to be said about the maturity factor. D'Lo has been through a lot of highs and lows in this league, and he knows how to navigate different situations. That kind of veteran presence matters on a team trying to build toward something sustainable while still staying competitive in the short term.
No, this move is not going to make headlines or generate a ton of jersey sales. But it just might help keep the Mavericks in the hunt while they wait for their backcourt to get healthy. And in the end, it's the seemingly meaningless games in November and December that can end up deciding your season.
