Dallas Mavericks: Mid-Season Forward Grades

By Kohl Rast

Feb 14, 2017

Dec 23, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; LA Clippers guard J.J. Redick (4) shoots against Dallas Mavericks players Harrison Barnes (40) , Dirk Nowitzki (41) and Wesley Matthews (23) in the first half of the NBA basketball game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 22, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Nicolas Brussino (9) guards Los Angeles Lakers guard Louis Williams (23) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Lakers 122-73. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

C-. . Dallas Mavericks. . Nicolas Brussino

Nicolas Brussino is one of those players that you can see the potential in but you really have no idea when it will become a consistent presence on the court. Really, you can’t fault the guy much who came from Argentina to play against the best of the best.

At only 23 years old and a rookie in the league, there is a lot of growth that needs to happen before Brussino fights his way into a regular rotation player. But, as I said before, there is definitely some skill to this kid. After scoring a career high 10 points in the blowout win over the Orlando Magic last week, we definitely know the kid can shoot.

For Brussino, I gave a C- due mostly to the lack of opportunity he has been given this season. Brussino was a bit of a surprise to make the opening day roster for Dallas, but certainly proved his shooting ability in the preseason. Although he may not be getting minutes, he is getting time to learn from one of the greatest to play the game.

Many people have questioned why Brussino has stayed on the roster, but there is no doubt that he is learning the NBA style more and more as the season progresses. Don’t expect him to make any more impact in the last part of the season than he did through the first 50+ games.

Next: Justin Anderson