Mavericks' bold rotation tweak foreshadows looming roster dilemma

The Dallas Mavericks have been through a hurricane of adversity this season, and one person who hasn't gotten enough credit for the job he has done to hold things together is Jason Kidd. He is someone who has caught plenty of flak over his years as head coach of the Mavericks, but this year he has weathered the storm beautifully.

Regardless of the bizarre number of injuries the Mavericks have suffered, Kidd almost always has his team ready to play. He has been forced to use countless different rotations, including starting two-way player Kessler Edwards at the five for some time, and his ability to get the most out of his guys is commendable.

The Mavericks have rolled with 43 different starting lineups this season, clearly showing how difficult Kidd's job has been over the last few months, and one new player's ability to step up and bring strong minutes can't be overlooked.

Jones playing over Powell signals Mavericks' true stance on him

Last month, the Mavs signed Kai Jones to a two-way deal, and he has been one of the team's few bright spots as of late. While Jones is no longer the starting big since Daniel Gafford returned last night, he is still receiving consistent minutes, and Kidd seems to trust him.

Last night, Jones played 16 minutes and had seven points and five rebounds. Dallas' other center off the bench, Dwight Powell, didn't play at all despite being healthy. Jones's ability to switch on defense, finish above the rim, and bring nonstop energy has made him a staple of the Mavs' rotation, and he has become the third-best center on the team behind Gafford and Dereck Lively II (we're considering Anthony Davis as a power forward here).

Kidd continuously electing to go with Jones over Powell could be foreshadowing that Dallas wants to keep Jones around heading into the postseason and beyond, but that could mean that they need to cut Powell. While the Mavericks have one open roster spot that they can utilize beginning on April 10, they have two candidates who both deserve the spot.

Brandon Williams and Jones both deserve to be on Dallas' 15-man roster, and it may make sense for them to cut Powell to ensure they have both players in the future. Both players are currently on two-way contracts, and Williams' 50-game limit has already expired, while Jones only has four games left. They can't afford to lose either one of them, as they fit seamlessly on the team and have made major impacts, and whatever decision they decide to make on April 10 won't be easy.

Dallas' strategy on their final roster spot will end up being pivotal for them in the postseason, as both Williams and Jones have made massive contributions in their minutes lately. Kidd is going to need all of the help he can get when it comes to the players he will have available for the Play-In Tournament and potentially the playoffs, and Jones is likely someone he'd love to have stick around.