Kidd reveals unexpected starting lineup tweak Mavericks fans didn't see coming

The Dallas Mavericks' ability to find wins recently despite being one of the most injury-riddled teams in the NBA can't be undermined, and Jason Kidd is finding ways to get the most out of everyone in their minutes. Kidd highly values players' energy and effort, and while that same relentless intensity wasn't on display in Golden State on Sunday, the Mavs' perseverance through this time of adversity is something that can definitely bring them together.

From Luka Doncic getting traded in the middle of the night on a Saturday earlier this month to all three of Dallas' key bigs, including Anthony Davis, going down with injuries, the Mavericks will be prepared for anything now, and that has been especially true lately. Kidd is having to go deep into his bag when it comes to rotations and game plans, but he seems to have found the foundation of a five-man starting unit he likes moving forward.

While some fans expected Kidd to start P.J. Washington at the five after he returned from his ankle injury last week due to the success he has had as a small-ball five in the past, Kidd is rolling with a different frontcourt that he seems confident with.

Kidd doubles down as Edwards at center even with Washington back

Kidd made it clear last week before Dallas' game against the New Orleans Pelicans that he is going to continue to start Kessler Edwards at the five "until we can get healthy" with Washington playing the four. This isn't a major change for either player, as Washington has played power forward for Dallas for his entire career here and Edwards has started at center for the last five games, but some fans felt that Washington would have been a better option at the five due to his ability to stretch the floor and attack slower players off the dribble.

This isn't to say that Edwards can't hold his own at the five, as he has been solid in his minutes recently and seems to be gaining confidence, but Washington's small-ball center minutes (as a starter) may not be happening this season. Washington has been excellent in any role that Kidd assigns him, and he is turning into a much more confident secondary scorer to Kyrie Irving lately.

Washington's 3-point jumper has looked great recently, and he has also been finishing strong with both hands around the bucket. His development has gone under the radar recently for those who haven't watched closely, and he is showing how dangerous he can be when he is featured in the offense.

Outside of some fans expecting Washington to start at the five, some of Mavs faithful expected Max Christie to join the starting lineup alongside Irving and Klay Thompson in the backcourt, but Kidd has elected to start Dante Exum over the last two games and bring Christie off the bench. Christie has been excellent as a starter and off the bench for Dallas ever since he arrived, and he has definitely proven that he will be a crucial piece to Dallas winning games for years to come.

Kidd's lineups are subject to change as players get healthy and depending on how the teams perform, but he seems to like what he has seen out of Edwards at the five. The Mavericks must be cautious with when they use Edwards over the next few weeks considering he has already been active for 38 games and two-way players can only be active for 50 games.

Time will tell how Kidd decides to use Edwards and spread out his games, as this is a sticky situation no one saw coming that was brought forth due to the team's countless frontcourt injuries. Dwight Powell's upcoming return could make Kidd more comfortable with not making Edwards active to preserve his availability, but even then not playing Edwards would be a huge risk.