Warning Signs Suggest Mavericks Player Could Lose Starting Role in Upcoming 2025-26 Preseason
Mavericks Explore Jumbo Lineups as They Pursue Championship Goals
The Dallas Mavericks are shaking up their roster, experimenting with a new strategy that could see them fielding multiple big men on the court. This shift in approach comes as the team aims to maximize their championship window with the aging core of Luka Dončić and Anthony Davis.
One of the key players in this experiment is Kristaps Porzingis, also known as Lively. However, his fate remains uncertain as the team prioritizes floor spacing and defensive switching ability. If Cooper Flagg, the team's newly acquired star, can provide the necessary spacing, Gafford could become a more attractive starting option alongside Davis.
Lively's immediate future may see him relegated to a valuable bench role. With injury concerns, roster upgrades, and a strategic evolution towards experience and availability, Lively faces an uphill battle to retain his starting position. The addition of Cooper Flagg as the No. 1 overall pick complicates Lively's role on the team, as Flagg's versatility and immediate impact potential allow the Mavericks to experiment with various lineup configurations.
The potential starting lineup for the Mavericks includes D'Angelo Russell, Klay Thompson, Cooper Flagg, Anthony Davis, and either Lively or Gafford at center. Coach Jason Kidd has expressed enthusiasm for deploying massive defensive units, a trend that has shown increased effectiveness during the 2024-25 season.
Teams utilizing multiple big men scored 1.9 more points per 100 possessions than single-big lineups, a statistic that underscores the potential benefits of the Mavericks' new strategy. This trend is reminiscent of the success enjoyed by players like Kevin Garnett, who earned the nickname "The Big Ticket" for his versatility on the court.
Gafford's superior availability and proven chemistry with Davis make him the safer choice for a team with championship aspirations. However, the Mavericks' pursuit of floor spacing and defensive versatility may yet see Gafford and Lively sharing the court in unusual lineups. As the team enters the training camp, the competition for starting positions promises to be intense.
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