Gauging the panic meter on 5 struggling Mavericks before NBA Playoffs

2. Tim Hardaway Jr.

Dallas Mavericks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. has been in and out of an offensive slump for a large portion of the second half of this season, and fans should be concerned with his performances assuming that he'll have a role in the rotation during the playoffs this season.

This season, Hardaway Jr. is averaging 14.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 0.5 steals per game while shooting 40.4 percent from the field and 35.5 percent from downtown, but his play as of late has been poor.

In April, Hardaway Jr. is shooting 25.7 percent from downtown, and this is the time of the year when he needs to be shooting his best. Having positive momentum as a shooter rolling into the playoffs can be huge for shooters' confidence, but it doesn't look like the Mavs are going to get that from Hardaway Jr.

Over the past few months, Hardaway Jr. has improved as a passer, but his fit in the offense comes and goes. In some games, he looks fully invested in his role, and in other games, he gets tunnel vision and is set on firing up a couple of shots once he checks into the game.

Since Hardaway Jr.'s impact is heavily based on his shooting, he needs to find a happy medium. He is always going to take tough shots, but him playing in the flow of the offense during the most important stretch of games during the season will be vital.

Panic Meter - 9