DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks held their Media Day on Monday. D'Angelo Russell was among the players to speak with reporters. Russell signed with the Mavericks during the offseason and is preparing to help fill the void at guard as Kyrie Irving recovers from ACL surgery. Irving is expected to return in early 2026, so Russell will likely play a role as both a starter and a backup guard at various points during the upcoming campaign.
Russell is excited to play alongside Irving and play for head coach Jason Kidd. The veteran guard is excited to join forces with a future Hall of Famer and current Hall of Famer.
“When you name Kyrie… One of the best combo-guards in our league ever. J-Kidd is one of the best pure point guards in our league ever,” Russell told reporters on Media Day. “So for me to be a combo-guard and also a point guard, I think that alone says itself where I can fit into the conversation that we will have in the future… Just looking forward to those genuine, pure relationships.”
Russell will provide a veteran presence at point guard amid Irving's absence. He is a respected veteran with plenty of NBA experience, but perhaps Russell can still learn from Irving and Kidd.
Russell spent the 2024-25 season with the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets. Overall, he averaged 12.6 points, 5.1 assists and 2.8 rebounds per outing. A former All-Star, Russell could make a significant impact in Dallas. The 29-year-old should be able to find success on a talented roster that also features players such as Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson and Cooper Flagg.
