The Dallas Mavericks had already proved during last year's playoff run that they are one of the true championship contenders in the NBA. They followed it up with a great offseason highlighted by the addition of Klay Thompson.
"We can go out on a limb and say there are two or three guys who are going to start. When you talk about the season, I just talk with the guys about injuries and being able to be ready to start. If you feel like you are on the third team there could be an injury and now you are going to be a backup and the backup becomes a starter, but we are not afraid to start the third string either," said Jason Kidd.
Assuming health, this is the most likely starting lineup for Dallas come opening night:
PG – Luka Doncic
Doncic is arguably the best player in the NBA and is an automatic lock to start every game when healthy for the Mavericks this season. He has as good of a shot as anybody to win the MVP award, and he will be hungry after tasting the finals last season.
SG – Kyrie Irving
Easily the second-best player on the roster, Irving is the only other lock to hold a starter position for the entirety of the season. Like Doncic, he will be ready and focused as the Mavericks try to finish the job this year and win the franchise's second NBA title.
SF – Klay Thompson
A team does not simply sign Klay Thompson to a three-year, $50 million deal and bring him off the bench. He was one of the biggest offseason moves and remains one of the best shooters in the league. Many within the organization view him as the missing piece.
PF – P.J. Washington
Washington came over in a midseason trade last year and was immediately inserted into the starting lineup. If you include the playoffs, he was on the floor for the opening tip in 50 out of 51 games played for Dallas. He could slide over to the three spot in certain lineups, but he is too versatile and valuable to the roster not to include him as a starter.
C – Dereck Lively II
During his rookie season, Lively showed he could have a long NBA career and excelled as a rim protector and lob finisher. This is the tightest competition, as Lively and Daniel Gafford are somewhat interchangeable. Gafford could draw some starts in specific matchups, but Lively should get the first look.
"I think the competition at center is great because they both support each other. It is kind of like a relay race; one is on the floor, and the other is cheering; when Lively comes out, he gives the baton to Gafford, and he takes it from there, and they just flip-flop it. That worked well for us last year. I think both of them are going to have the opportunity to start, not just because of injury, but we will see how one is playing and if we can help the other," said Kidd.
MORE MAVERICKS NEWS
