Dallas Mavericks: 5 players who need more playing time

Dallas Mavericks player who needs more playing time: 3. Jalen Brunson

The Mavs have only had two clutch games as defined by NBA Stats (score within five points in the last five minutes), and Jalen Brunson has played in the closing lineup in both. He was so effective in the season opener that coach Carlisle did not want to pull him out. The other game was against the Bulls when Brunson earned a start with Luka Doncic out. JB had 31 points, five rebounds, seven assists to keep Dallas in the game.

Last season, Brunson made 16 starts. He was injured on the first play of the final one and did not return. Excluding that, JB averaged 12.7 points and 5.5 assists in 28.0 minutes per game in that sample. The Mavericks have eight wins and eight losses when Brunson starts over the last two seasons.

The 24-year-old point guard is a winning player. He is averaging 11.7 points and 3.6 assists in 19.1 minutes per game this season. Brunson can run the offense and hit difficult shots. There are frustrating nights, but the 6’1 guard deserves more playing time.

Jalen Brunson is unlikely to get it because the Mavericks have Luka Doncic. Dallas struggles on defense when the two are patrolling the backcourt together, but Brunson has proven productive when he sees the floor.

Next: No. 2