Dallas Mavericks: Grading the entire team going into the All-Star break
By Tyler Watts
Dallas Mavericks grade going into All-Star break: Josh Richardson
Richardson’s first season in Dallas has been a disappointment so far. He struggled with the Sixers last year, and his numbers are down nearly across the board in 2020-2021. JRich is shooting just 28.8 percent from 3-point range on over five attempts per game. That is the worst percentage in the NBA for any player taking at least five tries per game.
Richardson has not been the defensive stopper the Mavericks hoped for either. Missing nine games in the health and safety protocols did not help, but he has continued to struggle even during the team’s recent hot streak
First-half grade for Dallas Mavericks wing Josh Richardson: C-minus
There have been enough positives to keep JRich at a C-minus. The Mavericks need him to consistently knock down his jumpers, especially when he is left wide open. Richardson must step it up a bit for the Mavs to jump into contention for a top four spot in the West this season.
Dallas Mavericks grade going into All-Star break: Kristaps Porzingis
KP has struggled to find his jumper and the rim protection numbers have fallen off significantly. He missed the first nine games of the regular recovering from offseason meniscus surgery and has been slow to find his rhythm, but things were looking up just before the All-Star break.
First-half grade for Dallas Mavericks for Kristaps Porzingis: C
The Unicorn is still averaging 20.2 points and 1.6 blocks per game for the season. He needs to find his jumper and improve his defense for the Mavericks to reach their peak, though.
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