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It turns out that having a roster without a serviceable, healthy lead guard and a bunch of big guys who don’t shoot beyond the midrange is not a recipe for guaranteed success in the modern NBA. Embattled Dallas Mavericks team president Nico Harrison has yet to figure that out, and his team is suffering the consequences for his bizarre roster construction choices. More news: Mavericks Guard Reveals Unfiltered Reaction to Luka Doncic Trade Without nine-time All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving available (he’s recovering from an ACL tear he incurred in March), Harrison signed former All-Star point guard D’Angelo Russell to a two-season, $11.7 million taxpayer mid-level exception deal this summer. Russell has been so underwhelming that head coach Jason Kidd has refused to start him, playing him limited bench minutes in favor of starting 6-foot-10 rookie forward Cooper Flagg at the point. Around Flagg, the Mavericks are starting 35-year-old Klay Thompson at shooting guard (he’s no longer an All-Defensive Teamer, and his jumper has been spotty this year), P.J. Washington at small forward, 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis at power forward, and Dereck Lively II at center. Washington has had some solid seasons shooting the 3-ball, including last year when he made 38.1 percent of his 4.2 triple takes per. But Davis and Lively — who are both really centers that can’t shoot — have clogged Dallas’ spacing, and Flagg’s size has occasionally been an impediment in covering younger guards. DALLAS, TEXAS – JULY 31: Jason Kidd (L) and Nico Harrison look on during BIG3 – Week Four at the American Airlines Center on July 31, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images for BIG3) Dallas dropped what was expected to be a fairly winnable game on Friday, falling 117-107 to the Washington Wizards despite play at home. At American Airlines Arena, the Mavericks were subjected to fan demands to “Fire Nico!” writes Tim MacMahon of ESPN. “I think they have a right to vent, but there’s a patience [needed],” Kidd said. “It’s a different team, it’s a new team. We’re just getting to understand each other. We’re going to keep learning each other. So I would say be patient, but I understand the frustration. We all want to win. We all want to compete at a high level, but it’s a game of expression, and fans have a right to express themselves. But that doesn’t stop us from coming to work tomorrow and getting better and getting ready for Sunday [against the Toronto Raptors].” Dallas’ defense may be formidable, but the team’s offense has been record-scratchingly abominable early into the season, per Ron Harrod Jr. The Mavericks’ 97.5 offensive rating and 45.8 effective field goal percentage rank dead-last in the league, while their 17.8 percent turnover rate ranks 29th. The Mavericks offense through 2 games: 30th in offense (97.5 ORTG)30th in EFG% (45.8%)29th in TOV% (17.8%)The Mavs are turning the ball over a ton and not getting efficient shots. All numbers are from @cleantheglass/@najee_simons pic.twitter.com/9jjNgEEut0— Ron Harrod Jr. (@RonKnowsSports) October 25, 2025 What may be grinding fans’ gears even further, of course, is the fact that the team’s former franchise superstar Luka Doncic remains an absolute offensive juggernaut, and is currently lighting up the opposition for the Los Angeles Lakers. Through two games, Doncic has scored a franchise-record 92 points. On Friday in a blowout against the Minnesota Timberwolves, he was one free throw shy of submitting a 50-point night. More news: Mavericks Announce Major Contract Decision on Key Big Man For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.
