Sport DFW
FanSided

Dallas Mavericks: Who is the mystery 5th starter?

By Adithya Prabakaran

DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 18: Dwight Powell #7 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts with Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks against the New Orleans Pelicans at American Airlines Center on March 18, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 18: Dwight Powell #7 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts with Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks against the New Orleans Pelicans at American Airlines Center on March 18, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
SAN ANTONIO, TX – APRIL 10: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks congratulates Justin Jackson #44 of the Dallas Mavericks during game against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center on April 10, 2019 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX – APRIL 10: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks congratulates Justin Jackson #44 of the Dallas Mavericks during game against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center on April 10, 2019 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /

Justin Jackson, SF

Jackson is someone I’ve pointed to as a possible impact player for the Mavericks this season. His athleticism, 3 point shooting, and his ability to play off ball is the perfect skill set to coexist with Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis. However, for how well his skill set might mesh with the stars, the production would suggest otherwise.

In his only game with Doncic and Porzingis, Justin Jackson played 23 minutes. In that time, these were his stats:

2 points, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 1-2 field goals made

It’s easy to attribute this lack of impact to Jackson not being good enough, however, Jackson has scored 11 points per game on 60.5 percent shooting and he’s shooting an impressive 45 percent from the 3 point line. More importantly, he’s been averaging 4 three-point attempts per game, which means he’s shooting efficiently and at a high volume.

However, this production is coming when playing with backups and against the second team.

The production is great for the team. The ability to have such consistent three point shooting off the bench is a real asset for this team as they look to be near the top of the league in three point attempts once again.

Unfortunately, this production and consistency has yet to be seen when Jackson is in the starting 5. This is an issue stemming from the end of last season. Whenever Jackson came off the bench, he was more productive than when in the starting lineup. While this is good for the team, it makes it difficult to place Jackson in the starting lineup knowing he won’t be as productive.

So, is he the mystery man?

Probably not.

Jackson will definitely start at different points in the season, but he probably won’t be the “fifth man.”

Home/Dallas Mavericks