3 most disappointing Mavericks as NBA season winds down

Most disappointing Dallas Mavericks: 1. JaVale McGee

The Mavs signed JaVale McGee to a three-year $17.2 million contract in the offseason and promised him the starting center job. They struggled to rebound and protect the rim during their run to the conference finals last season, and the front office believed McGee would sure up those issues.

The seven-footer lasted just seven games as the starter as he played his way out of the rotation almost immediately. McGee struggled in the Mavericks’ defensive scheme, had some silly turnovers, and just could not find a fit. He is averaging 4.1 points and 2.6 rebounds in 8.1 minutes per game, but Dallas envisioned him playing 15 to 25 per night as their starting center to open the season.

McGee not working out has put Dwight Powell back in the starting center role, and the rebounding and rim-protecting issues returned. Dallas is the worst rebounding team in the NBA, and they give up too many easy points in the paint. The Mavs need a strong defensive center, and JaVale McGee has not been the answer. 

The Dallas Mavericks can still finish in the top four in the Western Conference and make a deep postseason run. Despite their struggles, all of the team’s goals are in front of them. The addition of Kyrie Irving makes them a feared team that nobody wants to face in the playoffs. Can they put it all together down the stretch? Stay tuned to find out.