Dallas Mavericks: 3 Mavs that have failed to meet expectations

Dallas Mavericks player that has failed to meet expectations: 3. Josh Richardson

The Mavs traded Seth Curry for Josh Richardson and a second-round pick on draft night. It hurt losing one of the best 3-point shooters in the league, but Dallas felt it needed to sacrifice some offense to improve their defense.

After 64 games, the Mavericks defensive rating has declined from last season, and they sit 19th in the league. Richardson is not guarding the opposition’s best player, and he has often been cooked by elite talent. The 6’5 wing has not made the perimeter defensive impact Dallas hoped for this season.

On the offensive end, the Mavericks thought he could be a fourth scorer, above league average 3-point shooter, and secondary playmaker. JRich has disappointed in every area. He is averaging just 12.1 points per game, which is fifth on the team. The 27-year-old is shooting 31.8 percent on 4.7 3-point attempts per game, and averaging just 2.7 assists.

Richardson missed nine games in January in the health and safety protocols. Perhaps, that or a nagging injury is to blame, but the 6’5 guard has not been what the Dallas Mavericks expected. They need him to pick it up in the playoffs. Do not be surprised to see JRich decline his $11.6 million player option after the season and search for a long-term contract with a new team.

Next: No. 2