D'Angelo Russell's biggest weapon has quietly turned against the Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks are on a two-game losing streak. It's without question that they are struggling to find their team identity. One thing holding the Mavs back is their 3-point shooting. Dallas is shooting 31.6 percent from downtown. They currently have the fourth-worst 3-point percentage in the league, tied with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

One player who could change the Mavs' shooting and help elevate their offense is D'Angelo Russell. His history outlines just how successful he once was. In simple terms, Russell's 3-point shooting is what made him one of the top premier guards in the league at one point. He was a sniper back in his early days and could elevate offenses to new heights with his ability to stretch the floor while simultaneously running the show.

However, that skill set has changed or been nonexistent since being with the Mavs. He has struggled to replicate his past success and has been a pain to watch from behind the arc. As mentioned, the Mavs are one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the league, and having Russell on their roster isn't helping the cause.

D'Angelo Russell's 3-point shooting is causing turmoil for Mavs' offense

Three years ago, Russell had one of his best shooting seasons of his career. He shot 41.4 percent from the 3-point line and 48.4 percent overall. He was a deadly force for the Los Angeles Lakers, helping carry the team to the Western Conference Finals. His 3-point shooting made all the difference. Basically, Russell shot 37.2 percent from the 3-point line in the opening round of the playoffs and kept his hot shooting from the regular season rolling into the playoffs.

The following season, Russell shot 41.5 percent from the 3-point line. However, since then, his numbers have taken a major hit. Last season, Russell shot 31.4 percent from behind the arc as he spent time with the Lakers and Brooklyn Nets. He struggled heavily in his final game with the Nets, when he missed all four of his 3-point attempts.

This is something Dallas failed to recognize when signing Russell. The Mavs overlooked his shooting slump, and it's hurting their offense badly. Dallas really needs someone to help improve their 3-point shooting, and Russell might not be that guy.

There was a reason to believe that he could turn his poor 3-point shooting around, but that hasn't been the case this season.

He is shooting a career-low 29.7 percent from the 3-point line. The main issue with his shot is inconsistency. For example, against the Houston Rockets on Monday, Russell made one of his six 3-point shots. He struggled to convert his attempts and looked like a player on the decline when it comes to jump shooting.

In the game prior, Russell shot 53.8 percent from the 3-point line against the Detroit Pistons. However, that would be his only big performance from downtown. During the Mavs' final two games in October, Russell went 2-13 from the 3-point line and looked like a player past his prime. He isn't the guy Dallas needs him to be, as he isn't converting his threes at a high rate.

Russell's shooting woes aren't something the Mavs can't ignore anymore. He is a great passer who can set up opportunities for others, but if he can't make his own attempts, then what's the point?

So, unless Kyrie Irving returns soon, the Mavericks desperately need someone to help elevate their 3-point woes. Plus, it doesn't help when your best shooting guard, Klay Thompson, is also struggling to shoot the ball. It's obvious the Mavs desperately need a shooter to elevate their offense, and their backcourt, including Russell, is far from the solution.