D’Angelo Russell wasted no time integrating with the Dallas Mavericks after agreeing to a two-year, $11.6 million contract. Following his signing, the experienced guard immediately started offseason training to prepare for the upcoming season. Dallas signed Russell to compensate for the absence of Kyrie Irving, who is expected to miss a significant portion of the 2025-26 season while recovering from a torn ACL.
Developing On-Court Connection Between Russell and Thompson
Recently, Russell was seen training alongside teammate Klay Thompson, focusing on mid-range jump shots and three-point attempts during both shooting drills and scrimmages. This effort highlights their commitment to establishing strong Klay Thompson and D’Angelo Russell chemistry ahead of the new season. Both players bring valuable experience: Russell, 29, showcased steady performance last year with a 12.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 5.1 assists average over 58 games spread between the Lakers and Nets. His career averages, including 17.3 points and 5.7 assists per game, reflect his ability as a versatile guard who has adapted to multiple team systems like the Warriors and Timberwolves.
Russell’s Expected Impact on Dallas’s Playoff Aspirations
With Irving sidelined, Russell is poised to take on a primary ball-handling role, filling the substantial scoring and facilitation gap left in Dallas’s lineup. Irving’s previous season outputs — 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game — set a high bar for replacement. Dallas had considered other veterans such as Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook before finalizing their decision to sign Russell. The Mavericks valued Russell’s scoring proficiency and his effectiveness in pick-and-roll situations, which should complement Dallas’s frontcourt offense and create opportunities for other scorers.
Thompson’s Arrival Adds Depth to Dallas’s Shooting Threat
Klay Thompson’s integration last season noticeably strengthened Dallas’s perimeter shooting, as his 39.1% three-point accuracy helped space the floor. This spacing is crucial for Russell’s style of play, allowing him room to orchestrate offensive sets. The early partnership between the two seasoned guards, boasting a combined 22 years of <a href=”https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA experience, demonstrates their mutual understanding of the importance of preseason chemistry in sustaining performance over a demanding schedule.
Implications for the Mavericks’ Future and Team Dynamics
The Mavericks reached the play-in tournament in 2024-25 but fell short of deeper playoff success after being eliminated by the Memphis Grizzlies. Russell’s addition introduces another reliable scorer capable of both creating his own shots and setting teammates up. While it remains to be seen if he can fully compensate for Irving’s absence, his presence strengthens Dallas’s backcourt stability and offensive versatility, offering hope for an improved postseason push.
“Russell brings veteran leadership to a Dallas backcourt that needs stability.” —Anonymous Analyst
“Their combined experience, 22 NBA seasons between them, gives Dallas two veterans who know how to prepare for a long season.” —Team Insider
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Klay Thompson’s religion?
A. Thompson and his siblings grew up as Catholics in that area. At 14, his family relocated to Ladera Ranch, California. He finished high school at Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Rancho Santa Margarita and graduated in 2008.