Dallas Mavericks: Should they bench Josh Richardson?

Should the Dallas Mavericks start Josh Richardson?

The Mavs should drop Josh Richardson to the bench in the playoffs. Their best lineups have come without him on the floor. Coach Rick Carlisle is not using him in the closing lineup right now, so he should not start him either.

Richardson has failed to top 30 minutes played in his last four games and six of his last eight. The Mavericks have other options that are performing better. JRich should stay in the rotation. Carlisle needs to shift him to the bench and find a role that suits him better. Using him as Dorian Finney-Smith’s backup may be the best spot for Richardson.

Assuming health, the Mavs should open the game with Luka Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis, Dorian Finney-Smith, Maxi Kleber, and Tim Hardaway Jr. in the playoffs. That allows Dallas to maximize their shooting and defense around Doncic. Starters are going to play massive minutes, so putting out the five best options is a recipe for success.

It will be interesting to see what coach Rick Carlisle decides to do with the Dallas Mavericks playoff rotation. Does he stick with Josh Richardson in the starting five? How many minutes does he play him? Stay tuned to find out.