Mavericks won’t label D’Angelo Russell as sixth man despite current bench role

Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd experimented with two starting lineups during the preseason.

The first group included D’Angelo Russell at point guard, alongside Klay Thompson, Cooper Flagg, Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II. That lineup lasted for two games until the current starting group of Thompson, Davis, Lively, PJ Washington and Flagg as the point guard took over.

The move pushed Russell, a veteran point guard, to the bench. He was asked about the possibility of a sixth man role ahead of Wednesday’s season-opening loss to San Antonio.

“I just want to be a basketball player whenever I get into the game,” Russell said. “It just comes down to winning and finishing the game, however I can help. Finish a game, if need be, and always impact winning is my goal, as well.”

Mavericks

Russell was the eighth player subbed into the game, but the Mavericks’ rotations were off due to the team’s foul trouble. He finished with six points, two rebounds and three assists, but he only shot 1-of-6 from the field.

Kidd addressed Russell’s role during his pregame press conference and reiterated Russell’s perspective.

“We’re just keeping him as a basketball player,” Kidd said. “We’re not looking at a starter or sixth man. He’s going to get enough minutes to help us win. That’s why he’s here. That’s what we believe. We’re not going to label him as a 6th man.”

Russell spent the 2024-25 season with the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets and received 36 starts out of his 56 appearances. He said there isn’t a difference in his approach when it comes to playing with the first or second unit because of the habits he built before the season.

Either way, Russell appears willing to provide whatever the Mavericks need from him.

“Whatever the role is for me, I’m just ready to attack it,” Russell said.

X/Twitter: @MikeACurtis2

Black Sox, Ohtani’s interpreter and more: A look at notable sports betting scandals