Mavericks face near-impossible decision with two equally strong options

The Dallas Mavericks will take on the San Antonio Spurs in their season opener in less than three days. Before that game happens, Jason Kidd will have to make a tough decision regarding the starting lineup.

There has been a lot of speculation in Dallas when it comes to who'll be starting center for the Mavericks on opening night between Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II.

During training camp and preseason, it seemed like the Mavericks coaching staff hadn't made a clear decision on who they'll be starting at the center position either.

Kidd can't go wrong either way with starting center decision

Although it won't matter too much who takes the spot, the Mavericks fan base is really interested to see how this unfolds. During their short time on the roster last season and throughout their playoff run, Lively II and Gafford split minutes in games most of the time.

On one hand, it would make sense to stick with Gafford starting, due to the success the team had with him in the lineup from the past 2023-24 season. The Mavericks had seen an immediate impact from Gafford post-deadline. In his 29 regular season games with Dallas, he averaged 11.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game.

For Lively II, it's as bright as day that his game has significantly improved since last season. The 7-foot-1 center shocked the world last year as being one of the top rookies in the 2023 draft class and also had a phenomenal playoff run. Kidd also spoke highly of Lively II and his post game that fans should expect to see more of this upcoming season.

Luka Doncic is also one of the main reasons as to why these two centers have had so much success within the Mavericks organization. Doncic, one of the best lob throwers in NBA history, has provided Gafford and Lively II with many easy scoring opportunities throughout their tenures in Dallas.

It will be interesting to see what Kidd and the Mavericks coaching staff do regarding this situation. With both centers playing at an elite level last season, there's no doubt that regardless of their decision on who to start, they'll each have a great year.

Throughout the preseason Kidd had gone back and forth each game with the starting lineup, so as of now, there's not too many ways to predict what the final decision will be come October 24. Kidd did say that they would start the year with Lively II as the starting center during Media Day, but he has failed to double down on that statement since (even when asked about it).

In order for the Mavericks to make it back to the NBA Finals, they'll need their center duo to perform at an elite level throughout the season.