5 Things Jason Kidd must fix in the Dallas Mavericks' rotation

4. Unwillingness to give more opportunities to likes of Jaden Hardy and A.J. Lawson

The Dallas Mavericks have had many instances this season where their offense completely stalls out without one of Irving or Doncic in the game, and there have also been junctures where the Mavericks look flat from an effort perspective on defense. These instances usually only last about a quarter of a half at most, as the Mavericks are often too talented to go elongated stretches without energy on the defensive end and any flow on offense.

However, the Mavericks could certainly look to interject defensive energy and shooting into the game by way of some of their younger players who are outside of Kidd’s current rotation. A.J. Lawson just got upgraded to a standard contract for the Mavericks after being on a two-way contract, and he’s determined to make a run for a rotation spot ahead of the playoffs.

Lawson hasn’t played a significant stretch for Dallas since December, but perhaps his flashes of athleticism, spot-up shooting, and point-of-attack defense will get him into games down the stretch if Dallas continues to struggle defensively.

The Mavericks could also go to young guard Jaden Hardy more often when their offense dries up, as Hardy is only averaging 14.8 minutes per game this season. Hardy may still be coming into his own as a playmaker and shot creator, but he’s never scared to hit a big-time spot-up shot and has recently looked much more polished in his craft offensively compared to early on this season.

Mavericks fans aren’t calling for Kidd to completely sabotage his rotation by playing Lawson and Hardy all game, but they could certainly be utilized more often when Dallas needs a jolt of energy on either side of the ball.