Mavericks' massive center problem casts dark cloud over the Cooper Flagg era

As the Dallas Mavericks transition into the post–Luka Doncic era, reliability will be paramount. Landing another generational prospect in Cooper Flagg ensures that Dallas already has a potential centerpiece.

The challenge now lies in assembling the supporting pieces around him. While the Mavericks feature two centers who project as foundational in Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford, neither has consistently demonstrated the reliability necessary to help drive the franchise toward its ultimate goal: winning.

Durability concerns cloud Mavericks’ center rotation

Sure, Lively II and Gafford are both viable options…whenever they play. Labeling a player as injury-prone can feel unfair, especially when most injuries are completely out of a player’s control. Still, the numbers are difficult to ignore. Three years into his career, Lively II has just 98 games under his belt. Only four other first-round picks from his draft class have played fewer games, and two of them are already out of the league.

Gafford, on the other hand, appeared in 57 games last season and has suited up in 46 games so far this year. In that sense, he has already proven more reliable than Lively II, as he has throughout his career, averaging 63 appearances per season before this one.

Still, there’s reason for concern. Gafford will enter his eighth season in 2026–27, and his availability has declined over the past four years. This season has been particularly difficult for the 6-foot-10 big man, who has battled multiple ankle injuries, issues that appear to have taken a toll on his confidence.

Dallas will enter next season with Lively II coming off season-ending foot surgery, while Gafford has also dealt with lower-body injuries. It’s not a situation that warrants panic, but it could be enough for Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi to at least explore additional options at the center position.

Dallas’ timeline makes the frontcourt issue more urgent

Pairing one of Lively II or Gafford with a reliable option at center makes sense. The problem is that the reliable option can’t be 34-year-old Dwight Powell. Dallas needs a big man who can step into the starting lineup when necessary while still accepting a bench role when everyone is healthy. In theory, that was Gafford’s job. But given Lively II’s troubling injury history, the current pairing may be nearing a breaking point.

As mentioned, this is a transitional period for the Mavericks. If things don’t go according to plan this season, it’s hardly disastrous — Dallas still has Flagg and a future top-10 draft pick in tow. However, with Kyrie Irving set to return from injury and several veterans locked into multi-year deals, the Mavericks are in an unusual position that suggests they could push to compete as soon as next season.

That reality makes the center situation far more pressing than it might otherwise be. If Dallas truly does intend to compete next season, they may have no choice but to rethink their frontcourt entirely.