Dereck Lively II's status makes Mavericks' starting lineup decision much simpler

Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II is still not practicing, and with Dallas' first game of the season being in exactly two weeks, his status for this matchup against the Houston Rockets is in serious doubt.

Dereck Lively II is still not back on the court

Lively still has a long way to go before returning to the court, and the Mavericks are taking their time with his recovery rather than trying to rush him back. D-Live never wants to deal with complications with his right foot again, and he's only going to return when he is fully healthy and at low risk of suffering another injury.

With Lively still out, and likely not set to return by October 21, the date of Dallas' season opener, Dusty May's decision of who he should start at center is now much simpler.

Lively's status takes this decision out of Dusty May's hands

If Lively were healthy, he would have to decide between him and Daniel Gafford.

Gafford was the Mavericks' starter during the team's run to the 2024 NBA Finals, but Lively is the more productive big with higher upside. Starting Lively came with the risk of him getting injured, though, and bringing him off the bench seemed like the smartest plan to preserve his health.

Now, May doesn't even have to weigh the pros and cons of starting Lively or Gafford. The decision has been made for him (assuming that D-Live won't be healthy by the start of the regular season). He should start Gafford.

Why Daniel Gafford makes sense as the starter

The former Arkansas Razorback has already proven that he can be a solid starting big man for Dallas, and he is looking to expand his game this season. May talked about Gafford taking threes within the flow of the offense this season, something he's never done before.

This would give Dallas' offense a new wrinkle, as their starting center would be able to stretch the floor and command the defense's attention on the perimeter rather than camping out in the paint. Gaff's offensive game has been entirely dependant on finishing around the basket through the first seven years of his career, but that could change if he can be a threat from long range.

He and Lively are a dangerous one-two combo at center, as they can give the Mavericks 48 minutes of high-level play at the five when they're both fully healthy. Unfortunately for Dallas, Lively still isn't back after undergoing foot surgery back in December.

With his status for the season opener looking extremely unlikely, May should take the safe approach and start Gafford. He is the best option, and while Morez Johnson Jr. may have a case to start as a rookie, and Moussa Cisse had a productive rookie year, neither player has proven they can thrive as an NBA starter like Gafford has.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow