Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd recently found a strategic adjustment that could unlock the potential of D’Angelo Russell. By shifting Russell to the shooting guard position over the last two games, Kidd has provided the opportunity for Russell to reinvigorate his performance after a challenging start to the season.
Strategic Shift in Positioning
Russell, who had been benched for two consecutive games prior to this change, displayed signs of stagnation. Kidd’s initial preference for players like Ryan Nembhard and Brandon Williams raised concerns about Russell’s future with the Mavericks. Known for his inconsistent shooting, questionable shot selection, and defensive struggles, Russell was undoubtedly at a crossroads.
Back-to-Back Wins
Under Kidd’s new approach, the Mavericks secured victories against the Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat. These wins are particularly noteworthy as Denver ranks fifth in the Western Conference and Miami holds the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference, highlighting the significance of the triumphs despite key player absences.
Russell’s Performance
- In his new role, Russell averaged 9.0 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists.
- He shot 46.7% from the field and 40% from three-point range.
- His scoring came in just 33 minutes of combined play across both games.
This change allowed Russell to engage more fluidly in the game, as he played off the ball rather than solely directing the offense. He capitalized on open shooting opportunities, contrasting his typical approach which often relied on creating shots for himself.
Impact of Position Change
Playing alongside Nembhard and Williams, Russell embraced a dual role as a ball-handler and shooter. This flexibility has enabled him to find better shooting opportunities, leading to a notable increase in his three-point shooting efficiency.
Potential for Resurgence
In this new shooting guard position, Russell made all of his four three-pointers with assistance, with three of them coming off the catch. Such statistics suggest a pathway to a resurgence in his shooting capabilities if this positional strategy continues.
Making Russell a combo guard could mitigate the pressures of being a primary playmaker, allowing him to thrive in an NBA role he is familiar with. Through continued experimentation with this tweak in his position, Coach Kidd might be on the path to unlocking the full potential of D’Angelo Russell.
