Dallas Mavericks: Bench Play Has Been Helpful Early On

The Dallas Mavericks have had consistent bench play since the 2007-08 season. Throughout that nine-year stretch, their bench has been ranked as one of the top 10 benches in the league and was the best in 2008-09 and 2012-13 (via hoopsstats.com). Over the years, their second unit has included players like Jason Terry, Vince Carter, Devin Harris and J.J. Barea, giving the Mavs players to bank on in times of trouble.

It looks like things will be no different in 2015-16, as the Mavs’ newest bench has come out of the gate hot. Fueled by Devin Harris, J.J. Barea, Charlie Villanueva and Dwight Powell, the bench is averaging 43.5 points, 22.3 rebounds and 10 assists per game.

Devin Harris, who usually operates as the Mavs’ sixth man, is averaging 9.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game off the bench. After beginning his career in Dallas, Harris was traded away in 2008. Once he was re-signed in 2013, he picked up right where he left off and has been just as important for the Mavs as he was then.

His leadership propels the second unit and tough defense allows him to get under the skin of opponents. Also, he has the ability to complete electrifying plays that give the Mavs momentum to make a run.

J.J. Barea is a player who has been in the same situation as Harris. He too began his career in Dallas before leaving and returning to the team after a few years of being away. His 10.0 points per game off the bench is key for the Mavs and he is able to do it by hitting threes and driving to the basket, despite only being 6’0″.

Charlie Villanueva only played 20 games in the 2013-14 season. The Mavs took a risk by signing him the summer after and have transformed him into a reliable three-point shooter. This season, he has added a nice floater to his game which makes him more dangerous in the paint.

Dwight Powell is known as the “other guy” who came over in the Rajon Rondo trade. Now, with Rondo gone, Powell has expanded his game and looks to be better in his second year. He is close to averaging a double-double (9.8 PPG, 8.0 RPG) and his new midrange jumper looks very smooth.

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There are other players such as Jeremy Evans and John Jenkins who could contribute to this success but the four players mentioned above have done all that’s required of them and more to keep the team afloat. Even though the Mavs are slated to be an average team this season, these bench players have been key in helping the Mavs’ starters recover from injury.

For right now, Chandler Parsons is only playing about 12-14 minutes and he has been getting those minutes during either the first or second half. JaVale McGee is set to be out for at least another month, meaning that the Mavs will still be limited at the center position. Once Parsons is 100 percent, Raymond Felton will be coming off the bench and JaVale McGee will be another critical piece.

So far, the bench has been key to the Mavs’ success and often includes multiple players scoring in double-digits. Their ability to take over when guys like Dirk Nowitzki and Deron Williams need rest gives the team a boost and sometimes the bench can single-handedly lead the team on a run and help get them back in the game.

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Dallas’ bench is good right now and it is only going to get better as time goes by. By adding new pieces and forming chemistry, they could rise even higher and become one of the best benches in the entire league. Though the Mavs may need help in other areas such as scoring (for the moment), they will be able to rely on their bench throughout the season when things get tough.

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