13 million in 2 years! What can Russell s joining bring to the Mavericks?

On the first day of the free market opening, the Mavericks took action.

Reported by famous reporter Shams, the Mavericks signed Dangilo Russell for 13 million in 2 years. This contract seems ordinary, but in fact it makes up for the most needed link of the Mavericks' current lineup.

Let's talk about Russell first. The 29-year-old former All-Star played a pretty bad season last season:

—During the Lakers, 29 games, averaging 12.4 points, 2.8 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game, shooting percentage of 41.5%, three-point shooting percentage of 33.3%, and real shooting percentage of 53.7%

—During the Nets, 29 games, averaging 12.9 points per game 2.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists, 36.7% shooting percentage, 29.7% three-point shooting percentage, 50.8% real shooting percentage

Due to the performance not expected, the Lakers sent him to the Nets in the middle of the season. They thought that when they returned to the place where they had played at the peak, Russell could prove himself again, but they did not expect the result to be worse, and their offensive efficiency plummeted and reached a completely unacceptable level.

In addition to the sluggish offensive end, Russell was not a reliable player on the defensive end. He interfered with his opponent's 11.1 shots per game throughout the season, and his opponent's shooting percentage increased by 2.4%.

It can be said that Russell played his worst season in the past few years. Therefore, before the free market opened, we said that Russell now cannot get a new contract like his salary of 18 million yuan the previous year, and it is difficult to even have an annual salary of tens of millions.

But, 6.5 million Russell? And it's a Maverick? That's different.

First of all, because of Irving's injury, the Mavericks need most now is a point guard who can hold the ball and pass the ball. There are actually not many players like the free market, and Russell may be one of the best choices.

Although he played the worst season in the past few years, as the saying goes, the lean camel is bigger than the horse. Before being placed on the bench by Reddick and returning to the bad Nets, Russell's two years before:

-2023-24 season, averaging 18.0 points and 6.3 assists per game, shooting percentage of 45.6%, three-point shooting percentage of 41.5%, and real shooting percentage of 58.8%.

——In the 2022-23 season, he averaged 17.8 points and 6.2 assists per game, shooting percentage of 46.9%, three-point shooting percentage of 39.6%, and real shooting percentage of 60.5%.

The last season is exactly the same, but the first two years are really good, and Russell is still at his peak. He has three points and can pass the ball. Even before the Lakers were traded, he was the second only to James in the team. He is even now a point guard who is better at organizing than Reeves.

The reason why Reddick puts Russell on the bench is, on the one hand, because the Lakers do not lack ball holders, and James and Reeves can get the ball. On the other hand, because Russell's poor defense and his partner with Reeves is easily broken through in the backcourt.

However, these two aspects are completely different in the Mavericks.

Irving is injured, the Mavericks need point guard, and it is best to pass the ball and attack. Russell is in line with this. He has also been teammates with Davis and Christie. Joining may give the Mavericks a new look.

Defensive end, Russell's defense is still not good, but the Mavericks' inside line not only has Thick Brows, but also Lefly + Gafford, and Flag + Washington in the forward. The size and assisted defense are full, so there are so many people who can help Russell wipe his butt than in the Lakers.

A good environment can often change a player. There is reason to believe that Russell, who joined the Mavericks, may play in the 22-24 season level. Even if he can't play that, his annual salary of 6.5 million will not be too expensive. Irving will return in the future, reducing playing time, and even DNP will not be too distressed.

The Mavericks made up for the weakest link with a contract that was less than a mini middle class. Now, their lineup is even a bit enviable:

—First: Irving (Healthy) + Thompson + Flagg + Dark Eyebrow + Levley

—Substitute: Russell + Christie + Marshall + PJ Washington + Gafford

The healthy Mavericks have amazing overall size. They need talent and upper limits. The key point is that both of the above sets are starting levels. In terms of lineup depth, there may not be many teams in the West who can compare with the Mavericks.

Of course, the premise is that it is healthy. If you cannot be healthy, you can understand that those who look down on the Mavericks:

1. Irving, a torn cruciate ligament is not a minor injury. It is expected that the return will be until the end of the season, and the state after returning is not easy to say

2. Russell, just played a bad season. If it continues so sluggish, the Mavericks may need to make other signings

3. Thick eyebrows, a hidden danger of injury, this is an old problem with Thick eyebrows. He is often injured. He only played 51 games last season. He is head coach. It is rumored that the Mavericks management wants to get rid of Kidd. If the management and the coaching staff are not in harmony, it may also affect the performance of the team. For the Mavericks, due to sudden transactions and large-scale injuries, this team in the finals did not even make the playoffs this year. After Irving was injured at the end of the season, the problem of the team lacking a ball-holding organization hand is highlighted. Now that Russell is coming, it will definitely alleviate this problem.

The key point is that this contract only cost 13 million for two years and the contract risk is not high. Even if Russell is not suitable, he will not feel too distressed. If Russell returns to the 22-24 season level, he will make a lot of money.

And for Russell, it must have failed last season, but next season will be a very good opportunity for the Mavericks. I hope Russell can seize the opportunity to prove himself before Irving returns.