The Dallas Mavericks’ interest in D’Angelo Russell, Chris Paul, and Malcolm Brogdon signals their intent to bolster their backcourt. Each player brings unique strengths to the table, and the choice ultimately depends on the Mavericks’ strategy. Here’s a breakdown:
1. D’Angelo Russell
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Strengths: Scoring and playmaking. Russell is a dynamic guard with an ability to create his own shot and facilitate for teammates. He’s also younger (27) and fits the timeline of Luka Dončić and other rising stars.
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Concerns: Inconsistent defense and occasional streakiness in high-pressure moments.
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Fit: Russell’s offensive versatility would give Dallas another scoring threat alongside Luka, but his defensive liabilities might require stronger support from the frontcourt.
2. Chris Paul
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Strengths: Leadership, basketball IQ, and clutch playmaking. Despite being 38, CP3 remains one of the most cerebral guards in the league and thrives in facilitating offense.
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Concerns: Durability and age-related decline. Paul has struggled to stay healthy in recent seasons, particularly during playoff runs.
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Fit: Paul could serve as a mentor and steadying presence for Luka while providing an elite pick-and-roll partner for the team’s bigs. His addition would emphasize efficiency and control.
3. Malcolm Brogdon
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Strengths: Two-way ability. Brogdon is a solid scorer, capable playmaker, and reliable defender. The reigning Sixth Man of the Year offers consistency and off-ball effectiveness.
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Concerns: Injury history. Brogdon has missed significant time throughout his career due to various ailments.
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Fit: Brogdon’s defensive prowess and versatility make him a seamless fit alongside Luka. He doesn’t need the ball to be effective, which complements Luka’s high usage rate.
My Bet: Malcolm Brogdon
While Chris Paul offers leadership and D’Angelo Russell brings youthful scoring, Brogdon’s two-way game and adaptability make him the best fit for the Mavericks’ needs. His ability to defend, score efficiently, and play both on and off the ball provides the balance that Dallas could use to elevate their playoff aspirations.
That said, if the Mavericks prioritize veteran leadership and playoff experience, Chris Paul could be the game-changer they need in a win-now mindset.