4 Dallas Mavericks who have exceeded expectations, 4 who have fallen short

The Dallas Mavericks finished the week on a two-game winning streak as the team beat the Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers. The Mavs are now sitting at third place in the Western Conference.

Part of the team's success was the fun new look of Luka Doncic as he has been dominating over the last week. On Wednesday, the Mavs' star sported a headband as he dropped a triple-double with 40 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds.

This was the first time Luka wore a headband in a regular season game. He had previously worn one in practice.

4 Dallas Mavericks who have exceeded expectations, 4 who have fallen short

His headband wasn't the only thing making waves Thursday, as sixth-man candidate Tim Hardaway Jr. also stole the show.

The Mavs' guard had 14 points and four rebounds in a 50-point blowout by Dallas.

However, the big headline this week was the injury to Kyrie Irving. The Dallas All-Star suffered a right heel contusion after teammate Dwight Powell fell on his foot. There is no timetable for his return as Irving has begun treatment.

So, with Dallas players suffering several injuries this week, it doesn't hurt to see how everyone else on the squad has been playing this season.

Here are four players that have exceeded expectations for Dallas, and four who have fell short so far this season.

8. Fallen short: Seth Curry

One player who has struggled to meet expectations is Seth Curry. The former Mav returned to Dallas for a third stint with the team. However, this time he has failed to match his past numbers.

The Mavs guard is averaging 4.6 points per game and shooting 38.5 percent from the 3-point line. This is an unusual start for Curry as the last time he shot less than 40 percent from the three was during the 2014-2015 season. That season he played in just two games.

The dilemma is: one, Dallas already has a crowded frontcourt, and two, Curry's numbers have yet to meet past expectations.

In most games, Dallas uses a rotational backcourt with Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Dante Exum. Curry is then seen as the next man up. It wouldn't be surprising if Curry finds himself on the trading block, assuming things don't go according to plan.

However, it is possible things could change in the future. In three games this month, he has averaged above 10 points per game and shot above 50 percent from behind the arc.

Could Curry be in for a second-half resurgence?

7. Met expectations: Dante Exum

Now, Dante Exum's season has been the opposite of Seth Curry's. The Australian guard has been a massive defensive asset for the Dallas Mavericks.

At 6-foot-5 with a lengthy frame, he can guard multiple positions. Exum thrives well in man-to-man defense, as he is not afraid to use his body to make it difficult for scorers and pester ball handlers.

On Saturday, he had his second start of the season. Against the Portland Trailblazers, he had 23 points, seven assists, and six rebounds. He recorded seven assists, six rebounds, and two steals on Wednesday against the Utah Jazz.

Coach Jason Kidd spoke about Exum's presence on the court. He mentioned his ability to find the open man, guard multiple positions, and connection with All-Star Luka Doncic.

Exum elaborated on his confidence on Friday. He mentioned how his teammates trusted him and kept encouraging him to shoot the ball.

He has merged into the exact type of player Dallas has been looking for. Exum can play both sides of the ball. Not to mention he can thrive off the bench or as a starter.

Exum has exceeded expectations as he has been out of the league for two years. He last played for the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2020-2021 season.

Either way, Mavs fans are excited to have him on board as he is the perfect fit in Dallas.

6. Fallen short: Jaden Hardy

Unlike Dante Exum, Jaden Hardy is one player who has failed to meet expectations. The second-year Dallas guard has failed to take that next step.

He's averaging 6.3 points per game in his second season while shooting 28.9 percent from the 3-point line. This is a drop from his first season with Dallas, where he averaged 8.8 points per game and shot 40.4 percent from behind the arc. Not to mention, he is also playing three fewer minutes this season.

So what seems to be the problem?

For starters, Hardy missed the second half of preseason with an ankle injury and this could have slowed him down a bit as he prepared for the season. Secondly, he has struggled to find minutes in Jason Kidd's rotation. Hardy didn't see his first in-game action until the team's third game.

It also doesn't help when the team's starting shooting guard is Kyrie Irving. Afterward, players like Tim Hardaway Jr. and Seth Curry are the next man up on the depth chart,

Hardy is currently listed as the team's fourth shooting guard option and hasn't been great when on the floor.

It is possible his minutes per game could increase with injuries to Josh Green and Irving.

The solution will be Hardy will need to showcase what he's capable of. Everyone knows he is a great scorer, but he has been extremely inefficient this season.

If Hardy can revert to his old rookie ways, things could improve for him and the Mavs.

5. Met expectations: Grant Williams

Grant Williams is one player who has been a diamond in the rough for Dallas. In his first season with the Mavericks, he can do it all.

First, he is a lethal 3-point shooter who knocks down shots from all spots from behind the arc. This season, Williams is shooting 40.6 percent from behind the 3-point line. He is also the Mavs' second-leading three-point shooter and fifth-leading scorer.

Secondly, Williams has been a vocal presence for the team. He is always that one player helping lead the team through encouragement and leadership.

Before the season started, Luka Doncic spoke about William's impact. He touched on his vocal presence.

"Grant is a great leader too. He talks a lot, sometimes too much. He's a great guy and he's going to help us out a lot. "

Luka Doncic

Along with shooting and leadership, Williams has also been a valuable defender. Like Dante Exum, he can guard multiple positions and use his big frame to defend players down low.

Hopefully, Williams can return from his knee soreness soon and help the team improve their two-game winning streak.

Its possible over time Williams could form a defensive trio with Exum and Dereck Lively II if he were to share the floor with them both.

4. Fallen short: Richaun Holmes

One player who has had the opposite success of Grant Williams is Richaun Holmes. The former Sacramento Kings center has struggled to make ends meet in Dallas.

The Mavericks traded for Holmes during the 2023 NBA Draft when they sent a traded player exception for the center and the 24th selection of Olivier-Maxence Prosper.

The problem is Holmes has struggled to find his identity in Dallas. In 21 games this season, he has only played in 11 of them.

Currently, he is averaging 2.8 points per game and 3.5 rebound in 10 minutes of action.

On the depth chart, he is listed as the number two option at center; however, he struggles to find minutes behind Dereck Lively II and Dwight Powell as of late.

Another concern might also be that he has yet to establish solid chemistry with his teammates in the pick and roll. Lively II has done an excellent job starting center for Dallas. He and Luka Doncic do well as a one-two punch in the pick and roll. Holmes has never been known as a lethal lob threat, but him playing above Powell or Lively II seems doubtful right now depending on the matchup.

The same can be said for Powell, as he and Doncic already have an established connection from years of work.

Even so, Holmes has shown what he is capable when his minutes increase. Against the Memphis Grizzlies last week he played in 18 minutes and had five points and seven rebounds.

Could Holmes see his minutes increase over the next couple of months? Mavs fans will have to wait and see.

3. Met expectations: Tim Hardaway Jr.

The Dallas Mavericks changed their game plan this season when they made Tim Hardaway their primary sixth man. Last season, the Mavs guard started in 45 games. This season, he has to start for Dallas.

So, why the change? There is no clear explanation.

However, Dallas might be crowded at the guard position, and secondly, the team may have wanted to focus on a more defensive approach.

Whatever the decision, it is something that has worked for both sides.

Hardaway Jr. has thrived in his role. He averages 16.9 points per game while shooting 42.4 percent from the court. His points-per-game average is the best he's had since arriving at Dallas.

The Mavs guard has also accepted his role as sixth man. On Wednesday, he spoke about his role in Dallas.

"That sixth man guy, he's a big deal. Jason Terry for example. Just trying to do my best impression of that in the modern day era. "

Tim Hardaway Jr.

Last week, SportsBook Review, listed Hardaway Jr. as the leading candidate for the Sixth Man of the Year.

So, its safe to say Hardaway Jr. has done more than met expectations.

Now, what are the real chances he actually wins Sixth Man of the Year award? He'll have to keep this level of play up, but he is right in the hunt for the award if he and Dallas continue to exceed expectations.

2. Fallen short: Maxi Kleber

One player who has struggled to make ends meet is seventh-year veteran Maxi Kleber. The Mavs forward has been on the decline this season.

Kleber was the team's center to start the season but has only appeared in four games since then. Injuries have been the main issue.

Against the Chicago Bulls on November 1, he suffered a dislocated toe injury. Kleber attempted to come back on November 8, but struggled to play through the pain.

He has not seen playing time since the injury. Last season, Kleber suffered a torn hamstring that kept him out for a while.

Yet despite the injuries, Kleber's numbers have also been on the decline. This season he averages 3.4 points per game while shooting 25 percent from the court. Last season, Kleber made 45.6 percent of his attempted field goals.

Along with the decline, he also struggled to find minutes behind an already packed center position.

So, what could this mean for the future? Could he seen an increase in minutes?

Kleber could come back in a limited role with the team, or the Mavs could place him on the trading block.

Either way, this has not been Kleber's year. It'll be up to the Mavs forward to make a full recovery.

1. Met expectations: Dereck Lively II

One final player who has exceeded expectations is rookie Dereck Lively II. The Mavs center has been everything the team had been hoping for.

He has averaged 8.7 points per game and 7.7 rebounds in 19 games. Not to mention he is also shooting 73.5 percent overall. Lively II also leads the team in offensive rebounds and blocks per game.

Two weeks ago, he had best game against the Oklahoma City Thunder where he dropped in 20 points, 16 rebounds, and seven blocks.

One part of his game that has been a bright spot is his connection with Luka Doncic. The two have turned into one of the best pick-and-roll duos in the league, and Lively II has taken his game to the next level with the help of Doncic.

In the video above, you can see how Lively II does an excellent job setting up the pick and roll game. Together he and Doncic have formed a lethal lob duo.

Lively II's ability to adapt to the Mavs' offense is one reason for the team's improvement. Lively II has also thrived through the mentorship and guidance of Tyson Chandler.

So, it's safe to say Lively II has met the team's expectations. He has become a future building block for the team.

The question will be: how much more can the Mavericks' rookie improve?

For all the latest on Dereck Lively II and the Dallas Mavericks stay tuned.