Jason Kidd hints at starting lineup change Mavericks fans have been begging for

The Dallas Mavericks are entering their second full season with their superstar duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving leading the team. The duo worked out spectacularly last season with the Mavericks reaching the NBA Finals.

However, it's important for a team to have quality pieces outside of having a duo. The Mavericks adding Klay Thompson will help boost the offense tremendously, and P.J. Washington will be a good two-way player.

One area that the Mavericks were inconsistent with was who would start at center. Last season, the Mavericks had a rookie standout that was dominant in the 2024 playoffs at the center position, and now head coach Jason Kidd has hinted at a change at the center position to see how well it can go.

Kidd hints that Lively II will start at center in next game

Dereck Lively II had a standout rookie season for the Mavericks and was a key bench player in the Mavericks' run to the 2024 NBA Finals as Daniel Gafford was the starter. Even with a standout rookie season, Kidd didn't start Lively II over Gafford in the playoffs.

Kidd confirmed Lively II will be the starting center in the regular season, and Lively II can be a force for years to come for the Mavericks. After the Mavericks' first preseason game on Monday night which resulted in a 121-116 loss at home to the Memphis Grizzlies, Kidd hinted Lively II will start in the next preseason game. Kidd started Gafford at center in the first preseason game, which some Maverick fans were left wondering why.

"With so many people out, we just wanted to see different guys playing with each other," Kidd said.

Even though some Maverick fans were bummed Lively II didn't start, it's important for other players to get comfortable playing with each other and starting. Gafford will be coming off the bench, and he'll be spending tons of time on the floor with many of the players he started with on Monday.

A new season always offers a new team and players that join. Gafford has more experience than Lively II starting at the center position, but Lively II is more than ready to start full-time. Kidd hinted at a potential start for Lively II against the Jazz after Monday's loss.

"We'll probably most likely start someone else at center on Thursday." Kidd said.

Mavericks fans have been eager to see Lively II in the starting lineup, and the second preseason game can be the first of many starts for Lively II this season. Excitement is always flowing when Lively II is always on the court, and Lively II stood out in Monday's loss by recording 12 points in 14 minutes.