Josh Richardson is due for an offensive surge 

Based off what we saw in preseason, lots of folks around the metroplex were expecting a career year from the one they call J-Rich. And rightfully so! His on-court fit with Luka is so strong, at least in theory, and he was getting out of a toxic mess with the Sixers.

So far, none of that has been realized. There are several reasons for that…Covid, limited practices/camp, new pieces, etc… And maybe he just isn’t quite as talented an offensive player as we thought, but bottom line is this: He is way better than what he’s showed thus far.

He’s not a sub-30% three-point shooter. Full stop. That number is due for an uptick and tonight’s game was a step in the right direction. Hopefully, he keeps that up.

Brunson needs a greater workload 

Translation: Jalen Brunson needs to start. Or more minutes. Or higher usage. Something, anything would be appreciated at this point.

The guy has been so ridiculously effective and efficient in his current role that the only natural place to go is up. Especially when you consider how he always seems to handle greater responsibility. That can be traced all the way back to his days at Villanova.

I think the Mavericks could have a foundational type piece. Not a perennial all-star or anything of the sort, a cornerstone player. A quality starter for years to come. But we will never know if that’s true if he’s being kept on a 24 MPG leash.

Let him go Rick!

Its not a coincidence the Mavericks had the defense looked better w/o KP

Look, I don’t mean to pile on. This was an impressive wire-to-wire win against a division opponent and the vibes should be good. And there are several factors that contributed to their strong defensive showing, such as multiple practice days, a week off, and an offensively challenged opponent.

But the fact of the matter is, KP has a league-worst defensive rating. Opponents score roughly 119 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor.

He also has the highest offensive rating of his career and is at many career marks from an efficiency standpoint.

So you see the dilemma…Their offense needs him desperately, but he’s been brutal on the other end. And that sums up the Kristaps Porzingis experience. Jekyl-and-hide, peaks-and-valleys, etc…

They need more. They need him out there first & foremost, but they just need more. Hopefully He can start to give them that upon his return.