D’Angelo Russell is set to significantly impact the Dallas Mavericks in 2025-26 as Kyrie Irving’s departure leaves a void in the backcourt. The Mavericks, who have been building around Luka Dončić as their franchise cornerstone, needed a reliable secondary playmaker and scorer to complement the Slovenian superstar. Russell, acquired in a sign-and-trade deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, brings a unique skill set that could elevate Dallas’ offense while providing much-needed stability in the backcourt. His ability to score off the dribble, facilitate for others, and stretch the floor with his three-point shooting makes him an ideal fit alongside Dončić.
Russell’s arrival comes at a pivotal moment for the Mavericks, who are looking to rebound from a disappointing playoff exit in 2025. With Irving moving on in free agency, the team needed a guard who could replicate some of his shot creation without disrupting the chemistry that Dončić thrives in. Russell, a proven scorer and playmaker, has the experience and versatility to fill that role. Over the past few seasons, he has demonstrated his ability to adapt to different systems, whether as a primary ball-handler with the Brooklyn Nets or as a secondary creator alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis with the Lakers. His basketball IQ and smooth offensive game should mesh well with Dončić’s dominant style.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Russell’s fit in Dallas is his three-point shooting. Last season, he shot 38% from beyond the arc on high volume, a skill that will be crucial in the Mavericks’ spacing-heavy offense. Dončić thrives when surrounded by shooters, and Russell’s ability to knock down catch-and-shoot threes while also creating his own looks off the dribble will force defenses to stay honest. Unlike Irving, who often relied on isolations and mid-range jumpers, Russell’s game is more analytically friendly, favoring efficient shots from deep and at the rim. This could lead to a more fluid offensive system under head coach Jason Kidd, who has emphasized pace and spacing since taking over.
Another area where Russell could make an immediate impact is as a secondary playmaker. Dončić has shouldered an enormous playmaking burden throughout his career, often leading the league in usage rate. While he is more than capable of handling that load, having another guard who can initiate the offense and take pressure off him in key moments will be invaluable. Russell averaged over six assists per game last season, showcasing his ability to run pick-and-rolls and find open teammates. His presence should allow Dončić to play more off the ball at times, conserving energy for late-game situations while still keeping the offense humming.
Defensively, Russell is not known as a lockdown defender, but the Mavericks have built a system that prioritizes team defense over individual stoppers. With strong perimeter defenders like Derrick Jones Jr. and Josh Green alongside him, Russell won’t be asked to guard the opposing team’s best player night in and night out. Instead, his role will be to hold his own in team schemes and use his length to disrupt passing lanes. If he can maintain an average level of defensive effort, the Mavericks’ overall roster construction should mitigate any concerns about his limitations on that end.
Beyond his on-court contributions, Russell brings a level of maturity and leadership that could benefit a relatively young Mavericks roster. Now in his late 20s, he has experienced the highs and lows of NBA stardom—from being a No. 2 overall pick to bouncing around the league before finding stability with the Lakers. His journey has given him perspective, and his calm demeanor could help balance the fiery intensity of Dončić. In many ways, Russell’s understated confidence and professionalism make him an ideal running mate for a superstar who thrives on emotion and competitiveness.
The Mavericks’ success in 2025-26 will ultimately hinge on how well Russell and Dončić coexist. If they can develop chemistry quickly, Dallas could have one of the most dynamic backcourts in the league. Russell’s ability to play both on and off the ball should prevent the offensive stagnation that sometimes plagued the Dončić-Irving duo. Additionally, his willingness to defer when necessary while still being aggressive as a scorer could make him a perfect complementary piece.
Of course, there are risks involved. Russell has had inconsistent stretches in his career, particularly in high-pressure situations. His playoff performances have been up and down, and some critics question whether he can be the second-best player on a true contender. However, the Mavericks don’t necessarily need him to be a superstar—just a reliable No. 2 option who can take some of the offensive burden off Dončić. If he can provide 20 points and 6 assists per game while maintaining efficient shooting splits, Dallas will be in a strong position to compete in the loaded Western Conference.
The front office has also surrounded Russell and Dončić with a strong supporting cast, including rim-running center Dereck Lively II, sharpshooter Tim Hardaway Jr., and versatile forward PJ Washington. This depth should allow Russell to thrive in his role without being overextended. The Mavericks’ roster is built to maximize his strengths while masking his weaknesses, something that wasn’t always the case in previous stops.
Ultimately, D’Angelo Russell’s arrival in Dallas represents a calculated gamble—one that could pay off handsomely if he meshes well with Luka Dončić. While he may not have the same star power as Kyrie Irving, his style of play might actually be a better fit for what the Mavericks need. His shooting, playmaking, and professionalism could help unlock another level for Dončić while keeping the team competitive in a tough conference. If everything clicks, Russell could be the missing piece that propels Dallas back into championship contention. The 2025-26 season will be a defining one for both him and the Mavericks, and all signs point to him making a significant impact.
