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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Nov 23, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Justin Anderson (1) leaps to keep the ball in bounds during the second half against the LA Clippers at the American Airlines Center. The Clippers defeat the Mavericks 124-104. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

D. . Dallas Mavericks. . Justin Anderson

Justin Anderson, Justin Anderson, Justin Anderson. The tales of heartbreak in Dallas could be told by him or any fan that was counting on him to make an impact this season (myself included). Simba was someone that many fans thought was going to take a huge leap in production this season.

Now, 54 games into the year, Justin Anderson is averaging a little over 6 points per game, 3 rebounds, and only about 14 minutes each contest. The high hopes for Anderson just did not seem to translate into his game this season as he has struggled shooting, rebounding, and questionable decision making continues to plague him.

Must Read: Dallas Mavericks Mid-Season Guard Grades

The only way for him to fight his way into the rotation as this point would be to get on Coach Carlisle’s good side. One of the smartest coaches in the game, Carlisle demands respect from his players. He also is notorious for relying on veterans as opposed to helping the young players develop with in-game opportunities.

For now, Justin Anderson is just going to have to deal with the fact that he is a D level player for the Mavs. This grade is all based around his potential and expected production vs. what he has actually given the team. There is plenty of time to change, but for now, this is his mid-season grade.

Next: Overall Grade