D’Angelo Russell isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. On a recent appearance on The Backyard Podcast, the Mavericks guard explained how his preparation has evolved and why he still believes he’s firmly in his prime.
“My preparation is completely different,” Russell said. “I still feel like I’m in my prime. Like, I don’t feel old. I feel stronger. I feel wiser. I feel more careful. And that’s it.”
At 29 years old, Russell is at the age where his game should be refined. With 10 years of experience, he knows the ins and outs of the game, but he’s still young enough to keep up with his peers. Ideally, these next few years should be the best of Russell’s career. The numbers, however, show a concerning trend for the former NBA All-Star.
Drafted second overall in 2015, Russell began his career with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he hoped to usher in a new era of prosperity. Instead, he was traded after just two seasons, and he’s been on the move ever since.
During his tenure with the Brooklyn Nets from 2017 to 2019, he made the All-Star team for the first and only time in his career (2019), leading a mediocre Nets team to a respectable standing in the East. Still, he only lasted two seasons before changing jerseys again.
Statistically, his best stretch (albeit a short-lived one) was with the Golden State Warriors in 2019. While he played just 33 games for the franchise before being traded at the deadline, he averaged an impressive stat line of 23.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game on 43.0% shooting.
After that, Russell’s career began to decline over failed stints with the Timberwolves and Lakers. In the 2024-25 campaign, he was down to 24.7 minutes per game with 12.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists. Compared to his first stint in Brooklyn, Russell looks like a shadow of his former self.
Besides being vulnerable on defense, Russell has a reputation for having a lazy work ethic both in games and in the gym. His effort has routinely been called into question, and his bad habits are often a source of major criticism. Still, D’Lo feels that he’s more comfortable with his game than ever before, and it’s got to count for something.
Ultimately, the only way to prove his claim is by having a career year with the Dallas Mavericks this upcoming season, and he’ll have a great chance as Kyrie Irving continues his recovery. He’ll likely get to start until Irving’s return, with a chance to build up chemistry alongside guys like Cooper Flagg, Anthony Davis, and Klay Thompson.
If he’s really in his prime, Russell has no excuse not to play up to All-Star standards, and it could be the key to a Cinderella run for the Mavs next season. By the time Kyrie is ready for action, Russell could be tapped as a permanent part of the rotation and a core member of the Mavericks’ star-studded backcourt.
D’Angelo Russell has talked the talk about being in his prime, but the Mavericks will need him to back it up on the floor. With the ball in his hands until Kyrie Irving returns, this season is the perfect test of whether Russell is really stronger and wiser, or just another veteran still chasing the spark that made him an All-Star once before.
