Dallas Mavericks starting lineup: Locks, fringe, and potential break-ins

Dallas Mavericks starting lineup fringe options

The Mavs have three players battling for one starting spot when everyone is fully healthy.

Dorian Finney-Smith

Finney-Smith is coming off a career year where he led the Mavericks in minutes played. The 27-year-old is a versatile defender that shot 37.6 percent from 3-point range. DFS needs to prove those shooting numbers are no fluke this season.

Finney-Smith will start at the four if Dallas decides to go small. Expect that to be the case early in the season as KP recovers from his meniscus repair.

Dwight Powell

Powell is one of the question marks for the Mavericks this season. The team was unquestionably better when he played last season, but can he make a full recovery from a torn Achilles? Is the 29-year-old still a dominant rim roller? The answers to those questions will determine his status in the starting five.

Maxi Kleber

Kleber is the dark horse here. The Mavs inserted him into the starting lineup in the playoffs to matchup against Kawhi Leonard. Kleber’s ability to defend inside and on the perimeter is unique. Coach Carlisle emphasized defense in his first media session of the season, and Dallas has few better than Kleber. Expect him to challenge both Powell and Finney-Smith for that final starting spot.

Next: Potential break-ins