Mavericks find perfect role for D'Angelo Russell after brutal summer scaries

After a long wait, Dallas Mavericks basketball is finally here after tipping off preseason basketball against the Oklahoma City Thunder. With a limited number of players available on a back-to-back, the Mavericks took complete control of the game early in the night, but the real headlines were decided in the first half when newcomers Cooper Flagg and D'Angelo Russell displayed just how good they can be in Dallas.

While many eyes were on Flagg as he made his preseason debut, plenty of attention has been on Russell throughout the offseason, as the Mavericks' season could potentially hinge on just how impactful he can be. Not only do the Mavs need Russell to be an above-average defender due to their lack of presence of defense at the point of attack, but Dallas also needs Russell to be an impactful playmaker, which he showed against the Thunder.

From the opening tip, the Mavericks made it clear that Russell was going to be their table setter, which is a role that has traditionally not worked in the favor of Russell. Despite the lack of trust from fans, the Mavericks made it clear that Russell could be the team's primary playmaker with Kyrie Irving likely sidelined for a big portion of the upcoming season.

Russell hushes doubters quickly after displaying his newfound role

Since the opening seconds of free agency, fans and the Mavericks knew they needed to acquire a guard who had the capabilities to score in bunches and run Dallas' offense. With this in mind, the Mavericks made it clear that they wanted Russell after passing up on multiple players, including Chris Paul.

While Russell's career has been filled with peaks and valleys, last season was possibly the lowest point in the 10-year vet's career. After losing his role entirely with the Los Angeles Lakers, Russell would be shipped to an unimpressive Brooklyn Nets team, where he would continue his downward track.

In his time with Brooklyn, Russell would have flashes of his old self, but the bottom line was that he was teetering on the line between being out of the league in a few short seasons or having an impactful role in the NBA, which he proved in his first preseason start with the Mavericks.

In the opening minutes, it was clear that Russell prioritized his planning and handling over the offseason. It paid huge dividends for the Mavericks, with their fluid offense in their first preseason game. Traditionally, teams start the season slow and clunky, but due to Russell's innate passes and ability to dissect the Thunder's defense, the Mavericks quickly jumped out to a large lead.

Although preseason results don't matter in the long run, Russell's five assists would lead all Mavericks, and it was clear that Jason Kidd made sure to scheme around Russell having the ball. The Mavericks have expressed interest in having Flagg bring the ball up the floor, which he did do at times, but regardless, the Mavericks made it clear that Russell would be their primary offensive initiator this season.

Assuming the Mavericks continue to have Russell be the focal point of their offense, it's hard to imagine him playing as well as he did for all 82 regular seasons. Russell has made a name for himself over the past few seasons for his inconsistent play, but regardless, in his new role, the Mavericks may have just enough talent around him to negate his flaws.

Plenty of eyes will continue to be on Russell and other Mavericks as they play their second of four preseason games before the regular season tips off against the San Antonio Spurs. Russell will need to continue to prove to fans and Dallas' coaching staff that he has what it takes to be trusted with the ball in his hands.