Entering the offseason, the Dallas Mavericks knew they had to load up at the guard position after Kyrie Irving tore his ACL at the end of March, which could sideline him until January or February of next year. Not only did the Mavericks need ball handlers with Irving out, but the team also needed playmakers. In doing so, they signed D'Angelo Russell to a two-year, team-friendly contract in the opening hours of free agency.
Throughout Russell's career, he has been known as a score-first type player, but in his older age, Russell has molded his game into a more savvy veteran playstyle.