Mavericks are making a D'Angelo Russell realization Lakers fans already know

It's an open secret that when the Dallas Mavericks signed D'Angelo Russell to a two-year $12 million contract in the opening hours of free agency, he was instantly becoming one of the most controversial players on the roster before he even played a game. Through eight games, that couldn't be more of the truth, as at times, Russell has looked like he might save the Mavericks from yet another loss, while also looking like one of the least efficient shooters on the entire roster.

While the Mavericks and Russell haven't had a long relationship, it's already clear that the ten-year vet and fans of Dallas may have witnessed their final season opener together. Not only has Russell's minutes gone from what was going to look like an instant starting job to not seeing the floor in second halves of games, but now, Russell is one of the few guards on Dallas' roster who sees a consistent number of playing time, no matter the situation.

There's no doubt that Russell's time on his past teams has made him either a likable or unlikable player among fans, but very quickly, Mavericks fans are learning a lesson that every previous stop's fans in Russell's career have learned: The Russell experience is full of highs and lows due to his insane yet calculated shot selection habits.

Mavericks are already learning what the Russell experience means

In all of Russell's previous stops, which include the Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Los Angeles Lakers, Russell was known for his shot selection antics and inefficiency along the way. Not only through eight games for the Mavericks has Russell taken a three-point heave to potentially win a game with 14 seconds left still on the shot clock late in the fourth quarter, but Russell has also continued to shoot inefficiently, yet still has a prominent role on the roster.

There's no denying that Russell's offensive impact on a team that is deprived of any offensive identity has created a solid relationship, but Russell's shot selection has continually gotten the Mavericks in uncomfortable situations in multiple games now. Lakers fans were forced into this reality for multiple seasons, and Mavericks fans are already getting sick of it.

On the season, Russell is averaging 13 points per game while only shooting 36 percent from the field and 31.1 percent from behind the arc. This not only speaks volumes to Russell's efficiency when shooting the rock, but he has continued to take over 10 shot attempts per game since his minutes increased just one week into the season.

There's no denying that when Russell is on the floor, he has had a positive impact on the overall outcome of the game for the Mavericks, but given that the former Laker has already shown the ability that he can be a pretty reliable passer, fans have been begging him to pass the ball over shooting at times.

Assuming the Mavericks' shooting turns around for them within the next week, Russell may be forced to become more of a pass-first guard, but until that time, shot-chucking will always be his identity. It may sound like a broken record, but the Russell experience is filled with plenty of highs and plenty of lows.

In this time that the Mavericks have struggled on offense, Russell's shot selection is something that has dug them out of holes during a dry spell, but the overall impact is one where the team often views themselves getting scored on in transition after an ill-advised shot from Russell with more than 14 seconds left on the shot clock. If Russell can be a little bit more efficient with the shots he does take, the Mavericks' offensive hole may be one that they can dig themselves out of.