Mavericks may have found the backcourt bench boost they desperately needed last season

Last season, the Dallas Mavericks struggled to generate offense without Kyrie Irving. No one could consistently fill the playmaking void that his absence left, as D’Angelo Russell, Brandon Williams, and Ryan Nembhard all struggled to fully take control of the offense. All three guards have since moved on to different teams, leaving Dallas searching for a reliable backup facilitator ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Mavericks' backcourt was their Achilles heel last season

The Mavericks' backcourt was a failed experiment during the 2025-26 season. Dallas didn't have a guard who could finish well at the rim, throw lobs, and create opportunities for their teammates. They had multiple guards with their own skill sets, but lacked the true intangibles of a guard.

Nembhard thrived as a playmaker, but wasn't assertive enough to be a long-term piece. Williams had a strong handle and was a good finisher, but his jump shot wasn't reliable.

Dallas believed they had found the perfect stopgap guard to hold them over while Irving was out during the 2025 offseason when they signed Russell to a two-year contract. It was assumed the veteran guard would take the reins of the offense until Irving returned.

Russell’s stint in Dallas, however, was short-lived. The former Maverick quickly regressed, struggling with shooting efficiency and consistently making poor shot-selection decisions. His declining performance ultimately cost him the trust of head coach Jason Kidd, marking the beginning of the end of his tenure. As a result, Russell saw his playing time dwindle in the final months of his Dallas stint, losing out on valuable minutes and opportunities to contribute.

Young guards like Williams and Nembhard also struggled at times, and while both showed some promise, the team's offense still needed something more.

Dallas' bench finally has more answers in the backcourt

With the offense lacking rhythm and creativity last season, Dallas finally found an answer. Kyrie Irving made his return. He made his long-awaited debut in the Mavericks' second preseason game on Sunday. The Mavs' All-Star guard scored 17 and dished out three assists.

While Irving's return is exciting, one of the biggest takeaways from the preseason so far is the Mavs' backcourt off the bench. Dallas finally has stability at the position, as multiple players can lead the offense whenever Irving is out of the game.

Two players Dallas can rely on whenever Irving is out are Naji Marshall and Sergio De Larrea.

Naji Marshall continues to grow as a lead playmaker

Last season, Marshall played valuable minutes as one of Dallas' lead initiators. He welcomed the job with ease, as the 6-foot-6 forward proved to be a reliable secondary ball-handler.

Marshall attacks the rim well. He is unafraid to drive downhill and absorb contact. His frame is a huge asset, as he can score over smaller defenders. Plus, he has a nasty floater that can help him get buckets inside.

His perimeter playmaking is another benefit. Marshall can help create for his teammates and make plays in transition. This is a skill Dallas needs, as Dusty May is prioritizing pace of play.

One of the best parts of Naji's game that fans should be excited about is his underrated playmaking ability. He has a knack for reading the floor from different angles and consistently finding ways to create opportunities for his teammates. Whether delivering a timely lead pass or tossing a lob to a teammate cutting to the basket, Marshall isn’t afraid to move the ball and keep the offense flowing.

Sergio De Larrea is the Mavericks' missing link

Another player expected to elevate the Mavs' backcourt is Sergio De Larrea. The newest Mav is the definition of a true point guard.

He plays the game with patience and ease, letting the game come to him. De Larrea is an elite passer, unafraid to let it rip. The young European guard has excellent vision and looks like a maestro in the pick-and-roll.

One main takeaway is his overall impact on the floor. He was credited with a +34 plus-minus rating in the team's second preseason game against the Houston Rockets. The new guard gives them a presence they desperately lacked a season ago.

Both De Larrea and Marshall have shown to be a huge upgrade over last season's guards. They give the team a much-needed boost in the backcourt. It seems the Mavs finally found the answers they have been lacking.

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