Dallas Mavericks Media Day: Dirk Nowitzki to come off the bench

While at the Dallas Mavericks media day yesterday, one of the big questions brought up was who would be in the starting lineup for the Mavs this season. Coach Carlisle answered that one right away.

During the Dallas Mavericks media day, Rick Carlisle was the first to hit the podium and take questions from the press. After addressing everyone with some opening comments, Carlisle began to take questions.

The very first question, of course, asked about the Mavs starting lineup for the coming season. Many have questioned whether or not Dirk would ever transition to an off the bench player as he continues to age and his effectiveness on the court declines.

In a very non-Carlisle move, coach decided to let everyone know that the plan for this year was to have Dirk Nowitzki come off the bench. Since Dirk’s rookie season, he has started all but eight of his 1,424 games for the Mavs. Even if I said nothing else during this piece, that is a pretty incredible stat.

It will be very odd seeing Dirk coming off the bench, but it will also be weird seeing the Mavs as a run-and-gun team that can move the floor as well as most other teams. Between Dennis Smith Jr., Wesley Matthews, Harrison Barnes, Luka Doncic and DeAndre Jordan, Dallas will not have anyone unable to move the floor well in the starting unit.

Dirk coming in off the bench and playing with J.J. Barea, Devin Harris, Dwight Powell and Dorian Finney-Smith could be an entertaining second unit, but I anticipate seeing him coming off the bench early and getting some run time with Luka.

Regardless of what happens, this will be an interesting season and Dirk coming off the bench is one of the most significant story lines of the summer. Be sure to keep an eye out for more news from Mavs media day over the next several days.