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Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle has plenty of decisions to make during training camp. Here are three options that could fill the sixth man role.

Dallas Maverick fans, let’s take a trip down memory lane. It is April 2009, and Jason Terry just earned the Sixth Man of the Year award. He averaged 19.6 points perper game with a true shooting percentage of 57.1.

Terry started 80 game starter for two consecutive seasons prior to his award-winning year. His transition to the bench seemed to occur without conflict. He embraced the role and was successful in being the first guy off the bench to lead the Mavs offensively.

Terry will forever be enshrined in Mavs lore for his ability to electrify crowds with his offensive presence and big-play ability.

The past few seasons the Mavericks have lacked a true sixth man. They will look towards one of the guards currently on the roster to help alleviate the offensive load when the starters are resting. The player needs to embrace the idea of leading the second unit for the benefit of the team.

In an ideal scenario, the sixth man would meet the following criteria. He would be able to create offensively and get buckets. When Luka Doncic and or Kristaps Porzingis are sitting, another player will need to step up to put points on the board.

The sixth man must be comfortable coming off the bench. No one wants a guy who is auditioning for a crack in the starting rotation. The NBA has seen the struggle for Carmelo Anthony to embrace a lesser role, and what made Terry so great was his willingness to do whatever it takes for the team.

The Mavs need a game manager. Whether the team is ahead points-wise, or if they are trailing, the sixth man needs to minimize mistakes fans often see with lesser experienced players and keep the game within reach until the starters are rested and ready to return.

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Let’s look at three potential options to fit the sixth man role for the Dallas Mavericks in the 2019-2020 season.