Dallas Mavericks: How the center minutes should be divided after the trade

The Dallas Mavericks acquired Willie Cauley-Stein on Jan. 25. Here is a look at how the center minutes should be split up with him the fold.

The Dallas Mavericks lost an important piece of their culture and rotation on Jan. 21 when Dwight Powell ruptured his Achilles. It was season-ending and career-altering injury for the 28-year-old. Powell worked his way into the starting center role and will attack his rehab with the same vigor.

The Mavs were left scrambling a bit. Not only was Powell starting, but he was the primary roll man for Luka Doncic. They were also now light on big men. Kristaps Porzingis and Maxi Kleber were the only two healthy that featured in the nightly rotation. Boban Marjanovic is there, but he is best in specific situations.

Coach Rick Carlisle decided to shift to playing small ball. He inserted Seth Curry in the starting lineup and moved Porzingis to the five. Dorian Finney-Smith slid down to the play the four. Kleber and Porzingis have handled all of the minutes at center save for six when both were in foul trouble against the Jazz. Carlisle used Boban to fill in for that stretch.

The Mavericks made a trade to acquire some help. They dealt a second round pick to the Golden State Warriors for Willie Cauley-Stein. The seven-footer gives the Mavs another big man option. He was starting for the Dubs.

How will Coach Carlisle run the rotation with Cauley-Stein? That is yet to be seen. He could make his debut on Monday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Here is a look at how the Dallas Mavericks should split the minutes at the five.

Next: Small ball