Dallas Mavericks: Way too early 2021-2022 starting lineup prediction

The Dallas Mavericks have one of the most intriguing offseason in the NBA coming up this summer. They will have approximately $34 million in cap space to spend.

Owner Mark Cuban will go after the big-name free agents, but Mavericks fans should remember their past failures in this department.

The Mavs should go in a different direction this offseason to save money to re-sign Luka Doncic to a new long-term deal. Here is who fans should expect to be in the starting lineup at the start of the 2021-2022 season.

2021-22 Dallas Mavericks starting lineup: PG Luka Doncic

Who wouldn’t expect Doncic to start at the point guard position? With the 22-year-old superstar being a perennial MVP candidate, he is the perfect person to lead this team. The only thing Luka needs around him is young talent, so he doesn’t have to carry the team on his back every night.

2021-22 Dallas Mavericks starting lineup: SG Lonzo Ball

Lonzo Ball is the perfect shooting guard to pair up with Luka. Not only can Ball score and draw defenders away from Doncic, but he’s also one of the best on-ball defenders in the league.

He would also thrive in Dallas’s offensive scheme, which makes him a perfect fit at the two.

2021-22 Dallas Mavericks starting lineup: SF Justise Winslow

Justise Winslow would be a massive signing for the Mavs this offseason. The 25-year-old is just entering his prime and appears ready to take off.

The downside is right now he’s not the flashiest scorer. It’s probably due to him not being in the right offensive system that brings the best out of him. Rick Carlisle could be the one who helps Winslow reach his ceiling.

2021-22 Dallas Mavericks starting lineup: PF Kristnaps Porzingis

The Porzingis experiment at Center is over, and he should return to the power forward position. Playing at the four would help him stay off the injured list and allow him to provide meaningful minutes alongside Doncic.

The Mavericks should still extend his contract when it ends in a couple of seasons, but his new deal needs to have some conditions based on injuries.

2021-22 Dallas Mavericks starting lineup: C Kelly Olynyk

Olynyk is a 6’11 forward and prolific rebounder. At Gonzaga, he played mostly as a four/five and held his own in the paint. Signing Olynyk to play center should help Porzingis stay healthy.

However, fans should be worried Olynyk said earlier this month that he fits well with the Houston Rockets. Dallas could have to get into a bidding war with Houston to bring him up to north Texas.

It is not the flashy lineup Dallas Mavericks desire, but it is the most reasonable starting five they could acquire this offseason. The Mavs must upgrade their roster as they attempt to persuade Luka Doncic to stay in Dallas long-term.