Uh OH!! The Dallas Mavericks have a big problem!!

During the month of November, the Dallas Mavericks went 7-8, and 1-4 over their final five games of the Thanksgiving season. Some notable losses included a one point deficit to the Denver Nuggets, and five-point loss to the Toronto Raptors. Most notable, the team lost their first game of December, to the 6-18 Toronto Raptors.

So what gives?

Everything except Luka Doncic, over the past seven games he has averaged 32 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists.

So, let’s break down what is holding the Dallas Mavericks back…

1. The Center Dilemma

At the beginning of the season, center JaVale McGee was granted the Mavs’ starting center spot. However, his lack of dominance down low caused him to move to the bench. Fast forward to now, and he is lucky if he plays more than 10 minutes a game. Last year’s starter Dwight Powell took over the job back in early November. Yest, his numbers have been far from impressive, as he is averaging 5.9 points, and 3.1 rebounds.

So fans might be wondering could Christian Wood be give a crack at the spot?

Hopefully. In 25.6 minutes per game this season, he is averaging 16.3 points and 7.7 rebounds. This is a step up from both McGee and Powell’s numbers.

Will coach Jason Kidd make the move?

2. Inconsistency

One big issue the team is facing, centers around  the guard/small forward position. Both Tim Hardaway, and Reggie Bullock have struggled offensively.

During Dallas’ four game losing stretch, Hardaway averaged two, four and six points per game. Offensively is numbers have been far from impressive, as he has yet to show his skills from three seasons ago. However, over the past two games he is averaging 24 points on 44.2 percent shooting.

Reggie Bullock on the hand, has been demoted from his starting position.

Why?

Well for starters he shot 23.9 percent for the month of November. In the final two games of the month, he combined to shot 0-7 from the field, and made zero percent of his attempted threes. He has yet to have a game where he’s averaged more than 13 points.

If another guard besides Spencer Dinwiddie can step up for the team, then this would alleviate a ton of the offensive pressure placed upon Doncic.

3. Limited Progress of Youthful Players

In the G league this season, rookie Jaden Hardy is averaging 29.8 points, while shooting 56.7 percent. His agility and speed are some key highlights he brings to the game.

Could it be possible Dallas calls his name up?

Yes, but the timing of that is still uncertain. In an interview yesterday, Kidd mentioned how Hardy had  the ability to be called up, but he wasn’t too sure when that would be.

Another player who is waiting for his opportunity, is third year player Josh Green. For the season, he is shooting 47.8 percent from beyond the arc, and 60 percent from the field. His ability to drive to the basket and instant toughness are some of the things that stand out about him.

If Kidd can provide more minutes and opportunities, then maybe then could provide some rejuvenated energy to the team.

With four of the next six games coming against playoff teams, Dallas must find a way to get back into the driver’s seat.

Could starting Wood be the answer? Will Hardaway keep up his offensive productive? What about the youth of the team?

Only time will tell.