Mavericks‘ Kidd Finds Offensive Boost by Shifting D’Angelo Russell to Off-Ball Role
DALLAS, TX – Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd appears to have unlocked a more effective role for veteran guard D’Angelo Russell, shifting him towards a primarily off-ball function in recent games and yielding promising results. After a season of inconsistency, Russell has demonstrated improved shooting efficiency and reduced turnover risk when operating as a shooting guard rather than teh primary ball-handler.
Throughout his career, Russell has proven capable of scoring from beyond the arc, and a limited sample size in the last two games suggests he remains a threat. His shooting over these two games as a shooting guard has been one of his best two-game stretches from downtown over the season, largely due to receiving open looks off the catch.
All four of his made three-pointers over the last two games were assisted, with three coming off catch-and-shoot opportunities – a departure from his typical playmaking-focused approach. This adjustment could signal a resurgence for Russell if Kidd continues to utilize this tactical tweak.
The change in role significantly impacts russell’s overall effect on the game, together mitigating the potential for turnovers during his occasional struggles with the ball. He often attempts to do too much when orchestrating the offense, rather than simply making the correct pass and facilitating as a floor general. Positioning him as a combo guard, rather than solely a point guard, appears to be fostering more consistent performances.
This is a role Russell is familiar with from previous NBA stops, and Kidd should continue to evaluate whether this altered approach benefits the 11-year veteran.
