How Spencer Dinwiddie can unlock the Mavericks offense

The Dallas Mavericks pulled off a shocking deadline day trade as they shipped Kristaps Porzingis and their 2022 second-round pick to the Washington Wizards for Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans. Nobody expected Dallas to dump KP, and it was viewed as a light return for the former All-Star.

Both Dinwiddie and Bertans have struggled in Washington this season. The 6’5 guard is shooting just 37.6 percent from the field and 31.0 percent on his threes, while Bertans cannot find his jumper and had slipped from the Wizards rotation. Both players have shown more and will be looking to bounce back in Dallas.

The Mavericks led the league in offensive rating in 2020 before finishing eighth last season. New head coach Jason Kidd has brought a commitment to defense, but the team’s offensive rating has plummeted to 16th. Dallas needed another ball-handler and playmaker, but Dinwiddie specifically could be the key to unlocking the Mavericks underperforming offense.

Spencer Dinwiddie can improve Dallas Mavericks offense by attacking

The Mavs are a jump-shooting team this season. They attempt just 30.8 field goals per game inside of ten feet, which is the fewest in the NBA. Dallas has the third-highest effective field goal percentage on those tries, but they just do not get there enough. The Mavericks are also last in field goal attempts within five feet and 29th in restricted area field goals.

Dallas is 15th with 25.0 points per game off drives, but they lead the league in field goal percentage off drives at 52.8. Fans can call that the Luka Doncic effect. The 22-year-old superstar is the only player on the roster who can consistently get into the paint and score. Jalen Brunson gets inside but needs to rely on crafty finishes because of his size.

Spencer Dinwiddie has the skillset to improve the Dallas Mavericks offense, and here is a closer look at what he needs to do.