4 Mavericks who need to improve in second half of the season

4. Jalen Brunson

Jalen Brunson has been inconsistent this season. He is playing off the bench behind Luka Doncic. The Villanova product has shown flashes of smart and mature play with strong leadership. It needs to be every night production, though.

The Mavericks have been without Luka for the last four games. He suffered a sprained ankle in practice that had him ruled out a couple of weeks. Hopefully, the 20-year-old star is back to take part in his first All-Star game.

Brunson had just seven points and three assists in the first game without Doncic. He followed that up with 27 and eight in a win over the Hawks. Brunson fell back down to nine points and three assists in Indiana. That inconsistency is not going to cut it if the Mavs are going to make a run.

His game slightly resembles Jason Kidd‘s. Brunson controls the pace well. He is also more mature and experienced than most 23-year-old’s. That likely comes from his four years of college ball and his father playing nine seasons in the NBA.

There have been rumors of trading Brunson. However, if he can become a consistent contributor on both ends of the floor, Brunson could flourish in Dallas long-term.

Next: No. 3