Dallas Mavericks: Analyst Turns to 1 Surprising Player as Key to the Mavs' Kyrie Irving Problem 1 Feb 8, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) and guard Kyrie Irving (11) celebrates after Davis dunks the ball during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

'They See Him as a Better Fit With Anthony Davis' – Insider Reveals Why the Dallas Mavericks Went With D’Angelo Russell Rather Than Chris Paul

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 30, 2025 9:13 AM ET

The Dallas Mavericks will likely lean on D’Angelo Russell to take over the point guard duties next season, as Kyrie Irving continues to recover from his torn ACL.

Before Russell joined the Dallas Mavericks this summer, there were rumors that the team was interested in acquiring Chris Paul, who eventually reunited with the Los Angeles Clippers. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Dallas preferred Russell because he was the better fit for the team.

“One source with knowledge of the Mavericks’ thinking, for the record, insists that Dallas had D’Angelo Russell higher on its free agent wish list than Paul, for two reasons,” Stein reported on The Stein Line. “There is a belief in Dallas that Russell, in addition to leading the Mavericks’ efforts to cope without the injured Kyrie Irving, will find it easier to carve out a supplementary role when Irving is back playing after rehabbing from his ACL tear.”

Mar 20, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard D’Angelo Russell (1) celebrates a made basket in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

“Dallas is also said to see him as a better fit alongside star big man Anthony Davis after Davis and Russell just played together with the Lakers,” he concluded.

Dallas Mavericks News: Nico Harrison was excited about adding D’Angelo Russell

D’Angelo Russell is coming off a decent 2024-25 campaign with the Brooklyn Nets, averaging 12.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.1 steals on 36.7 percent shooting from the field across 29 regular season appearances.

Dallas Mavericks' Assistant General Manager Could Replace Nico Harrison If Fired 1 Mar 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison (left) speaks with Phoenix Suns assistant coach David Fizdale (right) before the game at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Now that he’s with the Dallas Mavericks, general manager Nico Harrison expects the one-time NBA All-Star to play with a chip on his shoulder next campaign.

“You really fit what we’re trying to do,” Harrison told Russell via YouTube. “I like you with a chip on your shoulder… It’s about to be a problem.”