Why the Dallas Mavericks Rough Start May Not Be a Problem

Young Players Are Getting Valuable Experience

In past years, Dallas had relied upon the consistent and crafty play of veterans to supply bench play. Players like Raymond Felton, David Lee, and JJ Barea carried the Mavs bench unit last season. However, this offseason Mark Cuban made some changes. The Mavericks second unit is littered with youth. Names like Dorian Finney-Smith, Seth Curry, Justin Anderson, Dwight Powell, Salah Mejri, and Jonathan Gibson fill out the roster.

While most fans were happy to see the trend change, some foresaw what was to come. With youth comes a lack of experience and the new faces simply haven’t been ready to carry the load after being asked to fill roles they were never expected to fill. Injuries to Devin Harris, J.J. Barea, Deron Williams, and Dirk Nowitzki have thrust the Mavs young bench into a new role.

Despite their early struggles, this is the exact kind of experience that they needed. Curry, who hasn’t been a natural point guard most of his career, is now running the offense any time Jonathan Gibson isn’t in the game. Gibson has had to carry a hefty amount of the scoring load, and has helped with the productivity of the Mavs offense with his penetration abilities.

Salah Mejri has played for extended slots and anchored the defense. Dorian Finney-Smith wouldn’t have seen the court all year perhaps, but was asked to step up after all the Mavs injuries. Now he is supplying some stellar defensive play in the starting lineup and has carved out a permanent role for himself.

The Mavs young bench is being fast tracked into learning how to provide for their team and finding their niche on the court. Dallas will be better for it later in the season.

Next: Harrison Barnes is Learning How to Be The Man