With Kyrie Irving sidelined for most of the season following a torn ACL, the Dallas Mavericks are turning to D’Angelo Russell to guide the offense and steady the locker room. The 28-year-old guard, who signed a two-year, $11.7 million deal this offseason, has already made an impression with his leadership, shooting, and poise in training camp.

Russell, who averaged 12.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in 58 games last season, said he’s focused on finding ways to contribute and adapt to Dallas’ system.

“No anticipation,” Russell said. “Just trying to be a basketball player — impacts winning.”

He added that the team’s chemistry has developed quickly.

“It’s good,” Russell said. “Camaraderie’s high. Think the energy’s high. A lot of guys are excited. Everybody’s excited. So you see that with our group.”

Finding His Place in Dallas

Head coach Jason Kidd said Russell immediately brought a strong presence on the floor and in the locker room.

“He fits in. Day one, he was great,” Kidd said. “Being new, sometimes you can be hesitant to talk, but I thought his voice with his new teammates was at a high level, and we need that. He’s a vet. His skillset is extremely high, but I thought his voice was really good today.”

Kidd also praised Russell’s efficiency and unselfishness running the offense.

“His shooting — he’s shooting the lights out, shooting the ball at a high rate,” Kidd said. “His playmaking has been superb. That’s what we need from him: to find the open guy, play with some pace, shoot it when it’s open, and make plays for others. On defense, he’s competing, so he’s kind of told on himself.”

Russell said that while Irving’s absence opens the door for more opportunity, his mindset is about long-term consistency rather than simply holding the position.

“Obviously, with Kai out, there’s minutes available, but I’m not looking at it like I’m just holding down the fort,” Russell said. “I want to establish myself here, be consistent, and help us win games. When Kai comes back, I’ll adjust, but my mindset is to make an impact from day one.”

He said his decision to join the Mavericks came down to mutual trust and fit.

“I think the motivation was going somewhere there was some semi mutual agreeance,” Russell said. “The NBA is a wild west — you never know where you’re gonna be. This is a good opportunity. I know how good the organization is from the outside looking in, and I wanted to be a part of that.”

Bill Simmons Says Dallas Mavericks Will ‘Be Saved’ From Implosion

While Russell’s fresh start has drawn optimism from within the organization, Bill Simmons believes timing will be key to keeping things smooth in Dallas.

“You know D-Lo is… he’s your buddy that comes to visit and it’s really great when he is only there for one day, and by day six you’re like, ah, I’m ready for him to leave. That’s D-Lo,” Simmons said on The Bill Simmons Podcast.

Simmons said he expects Russell to impress early in the season before Irving’s eventual return changes the team’s rotation.

“D-Lo would be great for the one day, which in this case will be two months of his first season with the Mavericks, and they’re gonna, they’ll go through all the stages of D-Lo,” Simmons said. “They’re gonna be like, ‘Wow, what a steal. My god. D-Lo had 35 tonight. He’s amazing.’”

He added that Irving’s recovery timeline could help Dallas avoid the chemistry problems that have followed Russell in the past.

“They’re not gonna have to worry about the playoff version of him because Kyrie will be back by then,” Simmons said.

Earning Confidence From Teammates

Russell’s approach has resonated with his new teammates, including Anthony Davis, who played with him in Los Angeles.

“D-Lo pushes the pace, he can score, and he’s vocal,” Davis said. “There’s a narrative that he’s not a winner, but I’ve been close to him and I know that’s not true. We talked before he came here — he told me he was ready. He had other opportunities for more money, but he wanted to be here and bet on himself.”

Klay Thompson, who overlapped with Russell briefly in Golden State, said he expects the guard to bring balance and maturity to the Mavericks’ offense.

“D-Lo brings a different dimension at point guard,” Thompson said. “He’s steady, he knows how to play, and he makes the game easier for other guys. You can tell he wants to fit in and help us win. I think he’s going to be big for us.”

Russell said he feels refreshed by the change of scenery and confident about the team’s direction.

“Sometimes change is the best thing for you,” Russell said. “I had ups and downs in my last stop, and I just wanted a new environment, new energy. Dallas gives me that. I feel motivated.”

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