Dallas Mavericks: Resetting the depth chart heading into Orlando

Dallas Mavericks depth chart heading into Orlando: Center

Starter: Kristaps Porzingis

Reserve options: Maxi Kleber, Boban Marjanovic

Injured: Dwight Powell

The Mavs shifted to using Porzingis more at the five after Powell’s season-ending injury. He rewarded them with the best numbers of his career. KP averaged 25.2 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per over his final 15 games prior to the suspension. The 24-year-old will be the Mavericks primary pick and roll partner for Luka Doncic in Orlando.

Expect Porzingis to play the second most minutes behind Doncic. The Mavs will likely start in the low 30s before expanding come playoff time.

GM Donnie Nelson covered why the Mavericks replaced Willie Cauley-Stein with Trey Burke during his media availability on July 1. See his quote below.

The Mavs will certainly use Marjanovic against opposing traditional centers. He does well at neutralizing players like Nikola Jokic or Steven Adams. Bobi’s sheer size coupled with his soft touch around the rim makes him difficult to stop. The veteran will continue to be a matchups option, though.

Kleber will be Dallas’ primary rim protector when Porzingis needs a rest. Expect him to have a bit of breakout on the Orlando stage. The casual fan will be introduced to his underrated game.

The Mavericks ten-man nightly rotation, in order of minutes, coming into Orlando is Doncic, Porzingis, Hardaway Jr., Finney-Smith, Curry, Kleber, Wright, Barea, and Burke. The final spot will be matchups based between MKG and Boban.

Dallas Mavericks fans should be excited for Orlando. The team has an opportunity to make a deep playoff run under unique circumstances. It should be a lot of fun, so do not miss it.