The Dallas Mavericks knew they'd be without Kyrie Irving for much of this season due to injury, so they went out and got themselves a veteran point guard, D'Angelo Russell.
But the presence of Russell has already created a couple of questions for the Mavs.
The main one centers around defense. If this is a Dallas club that wants to win at that end of the floor, Russell prevents the Mavs from using their best defensive lineup.
"The options are limited if D'Angelo Russell starts alongside (Klay) Thompson," writes ESPN's Tim MacMahon. "P.J. Washington typically took the toughest perimeter defensive assignment last season, but he came off the bench in the first two preseason games. Would the Mavs be better off starting Washington with 18-year-old Cooper Flagg as the primary offensive initiator? That's the look Kidd went with against the Utah Jazz on Monday, when Russell rested."
MORE: Cooper Flagg has what he hopes is a temporary Anthony Davis concern
A Mavs starting lineup with Washington instead of Russell has more length and defensive capability, and it's probably not the offensive drop-off one might initially think.
Russell is still a skilled guard for sure, with his smooth combination of lefty shooting and dishing.
Washington is in his prime as well, though, and a quality scorer in addition to his superior defense.
The Mavs' season could really come down to how well Flagg can run the point.
Dallas had Flagg fill that role all summer, expecting that it'd be something that could come in handy down the line.
That time might already be here. Head coach Jason Kidd may want to hand Flagg the point guard reins on opening night and let him just roll with it. If that happens, the Mavericks have a real chance of making noise this season.
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