In the midst of Luka Doncic’s dazzling performances for the Dallas Mavericks, certain players failed to live up to the expectations placed upon them as starters. Delve into the disappointments of the Doncic era as we spotlight five individuals who struggled to make their mark, examining their shortcomings and the repercussions they had on the team’s success.
Boban Marjanovic
Boban Marjanovic, a fan favorite during his time in Dallas, ranks as the fifth-worst starter in the Luka Doncic era despite his popularity among fans. While his stats, averaging 13.6 points and 10.5 rebounds per game in 11 starts, seem respectable, he falls short of NBA starting caliber, particularly struggling as a switch defender in pick-and-roll situations and facing issues with endurance. Despite his occasional impactful performances, especially in the playoffs, Marjanovic’s fit as a starter for the Mavericks was questioned, although his positive presence as a teammate and veteran leader remained valuable.
Justin Jackson
Justin Jackson, who started 14 games for the Mavericks over two seasons, has since returned to the Texas Legends, the Mavericks’ G League affiliate, after traversing through various NBA teams. Despite initial optimism, Jackson’s tenure in Dallas was underwhelming, marked by struggles in defense and shooting, leading to a decline in his game. Traded to the Thunder with one year left on his contract, Jackson’s career trajectory has seen a downturn since being a top-15 pick in 2017, making it unlikely for him to return to the Mavericks given his misalignment with the team’s preferences for wing players.
Frank Ntilikina
Frank Ntilikina, despite his contributions in the Mavericks’ 2022 Western Conference Semifinals series, lands at No. 3 on this list due to underwhelming performances as a starter. Averaging just 8.0 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game in 10 starts, Ntilikina failed to live up to expectations as a former top-10 pick. With a disappointing record of 3-7 in games he started, Ntilikina’s impact on the court was minimal, especially considering his significant playing time. Despite hopes for improvement after Jalen Brunson’s departure, Ntilikina’s game regressed, leading to his departure from the Mavericks and a one-year deal with the Charlotte Hornets, where he must prove himself to remain relevant in the NBA.
Courtney Lee
Courtney Lee, acquired by the Dallas Mavericks in the Kristaps Porzingis trade, had a forgettable stint with the team, playing just two seasons before exiting the NBA. Averaging 4.1 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game during his time in Dallas, Lee’s impact on the court was limited, particularly as a starter in 13 games where he averaged 6.8 points. Despite the Mavericks managing a 7-6 record in these games, Lee often failed to make a significant scoring impact, scoring less than 10 points in 10 of his starts. While Lee had a more prominent role earlier in his career, notably with the New Jersey Nets, his time with the Mavericks stands as one of the least memorable chapters in his career.
Willie Cauley-Stein
Willie Cauley-Stein, drafted sixth overall in the 2015 NBA Draft, arrived in Dallas with high expectations but ultimately fell short of fulfilling his potential as an All-Star center. Acquired by the Mavericks in a trade for a second-round pick in 2020, Cauley-Stein’s tenure in Dallas proved forgettable despite initial excitement among fans. Expected to fill a void at center with his athleticism and shot-blocking ability, Cauley-Stein struggled to find consistency and motivation, failing to develop his game to match his once-promising potential. With his underwhelming performance, Cauley-Stein joins the ranks of players who didn’t live up to expectations during their time with the Mavericks, with Dwight Powell being the only remaining active player from that list. As Dallas looks ahead to a promising season with offseason roster improvements, including the addition of Kyrie Irving alongside Luka Doncic, stay tuned for the latest updates and rumors surrounding the team’s playoff aspirations.