Which players on the Mavericks roster will be a part of their regular rotation, and what will their roles be?
STARTERS
PG Luka Doncic
SG Spencer Dinwiddie
SF Reggie Bullock
PF Dorian Finney-Smith
C JaVale McGee
BENCH ROTATION
Tim Hardaway Jr.
Maxi Kleber
Dwight Powell
Christian Wood
DEEP BENCH – VETERANS
Davis Bertans
Tyler Dorsey
Frank Ntilikina
Theo Pinson
DJ Stewart
DEEP BENCH – DEVELOPING YOUTH
Marcus Bingham
Josh Green
Jaden Hardy
LIKELY TO BE WAIVED
Mouhamadou Gueye
Tyler Hall
McKinley Wright
POSITION BATTLES
The Mavericks have a choice at the center position between incumbent Dwight Powell and newly acquired JaVale McGee. McGee is likely to start; his shot-blocking ability gives the team rim protection that they didn’t have last year. Powell is an excellent role player who will tirelessly set screens for Doncic. If the team needs more offensive firepower, they can always play Christian Wood in a smaller lineup.
The Mavericks have some veterans on their bench who have been inconsistent in the past. If any of Ntilikina, Bertans, Pinson, or Kleber struggle for any length of time, it could open the door for Josh Green and Jaden Hardy to get some minutes and impact the game with their youthful energy and athleticism.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
How will Wood adapt? He has never played on a winning team. This will be his opportunity to change public perception about his game by producing in meaningful situations and helping the team win games. He needs to stay focused on the team’s goals whether he starts or comes off the bench.
Tim Hardaway Jr. returns from injury and slides into the role of the third guard, backup up Doncic and Dinwiddie. It will be important that he is able to return to form to help the team offset the loss of Jalen Brunson. In the past, Hardaway Jr. has shown the ability to catch fire and quickly rack up buckets. The team needs more players who can create their own shot and carry the offense for stretches to take the pressure off Doncic.