The Dallas Mavericks' recent trade maneuvers have been a hot topic, especially with the departure of Anthony Davis, but let's not overlook the significance of moving D'Angelo Russell. Initially brought in to fill the point guard role until Kyrie Irving's return from an ACL injury, Russell's time in Dallas didn't pan out as expected.
Despite averaging 10.2 points and 4.0 assists over 26 games, these numbers don't tell the full story. Head coach Jason Kidd had reservations about Russell from the start.
While Russell showed flashes of brilliance early in his Mavericks stint, Kidd gradually reduced his minutes until he was out of the rotation entirely. This decision puzzled many, given Dallas' struggles with backcourt depth, but Kidd's lack of trust was clear.
Russell's performance on both ends of the court had declined, contributing to his reputation as one of the NBA's most overrated players. Once known for his clutch performances and his "ice in my veins" celebration, Russell's impact has waned since his days with the Lakers and Nets.
Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz recently ranked him among the league's most overrated players, citing his disappointing tenure with the Mavericks. The decision to part ways with Russell, despite his two-year, $11.7 million contract, has proven wise for Dallas. The Mavericks gained valuable financial flexibility, freeing themselves from a player who no longer fit their plans.
Russell hasn't reported to the Wizards since the trade, and there's talk of a potential buyout. His stint in Dallas is marked by being benched in favor of players like Ryan Nembhard and Brandon Williams, rather than stepping up as expected.
Fans had high hopes when Russell joined the Mavericks, but hindsight reveals a move the front office likely regrets. His defensive issues, inefficiency, and minimal impact on winning defined his time in Dallas. Unless there's a significant turnaround at his next destination, Russell's days as a regular NBA starter might be behind him.