The Dallas Mavericks are going into the season with a projected starting lineup of Kyrie Irving, Max Christie, Cooper Flagg, PJ Washington and Dereck Lively II.
While this should be the starting five for the first game of the season (barring injury), it might not be how the Mavs finish the year.
“This starting five could look very different by the 2027 trade deadline, or even the start of the 2026-27 season.
A 34-year-old Irving coming off a torn ACL doesn’t fit a franchise now built around the 19-year-old
Flagg. Washington, 27, is on the borderline as well and could be shopped to a contender to create more opportunities for No. 9 overall pick Morez Johnson Jr,“ Bleacher Report contributor Greg Swartz wrote.
“For now, this is the Mavs’ most likely outcome as they hope the 22-year-old Lively can return from foot surgery after playing just seven games last season.”
The Mavs will start Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg as long as they are on the roster, but other players can be swapped in and out.
Christy is expected to be the starting shooting guard, but there are opportunities for former No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher and Naji Marshall to take his spot if they feel that it is a better group for Dallas.
While Washington has a strong grasp on the starting power forward spot, Risacher, Santi Aldama or rookie Morez Johnson Jr. could get some looks in the first unit. Aldama could also slide in at center to take over for Lively, as well as Daniel Gafford.
Ultimately, the Mavs have several different configurations Dusty May can work with, which makes things exciting for the upcoming season.
Mavs Moneyball community, how do you think the team should start in the upcoming season? Drop your potential lineups in the comments section below.
