It's not even training camp but the Mavericks already have an Anthony Davis problem

Over the last several months, the Dallas Mavericks have added a tremendous amount of depth in the frontcourt to their roster. With Anthony Davis now operating as this team's best player headed into the season, this team is going to have to figure out how best to maximize the talents of the big man.

With multiple quality bigs or forwards rostered, figuring out how to distribute minutes so that the Mavs both maximize the production of their players as well as create a sense of role clarity is going to be of the utmost importance for this coaching staff. Between guys like Cooper Flagg, P.J. Washington, Davis and others, there's certainly some overlapping skill sets here.

In thinking about AD's role and how that might change in the coming season, he's likely going to have to be a floor-spacer more than he maybe has in the past. Additionally, playing more off the ball, acting as a high-post passer and operating in pick-and-pop are all ways he will likely be utilized in order to complement Flagg's game.

It depends on how Jason Kidd wants to use Dereck Lively with this group, but the Mavs might lean into the idea of two-big lineups more often as well. AD will likely slide between the power forward and center spots depending on matchups, and this way they can avoid clogging the paint or creating too much redundancy.

Dallas will have plenty of lineup possibilities with Anthony Davis

Of course, there's risks that come with these strategies as well. Asking Anthony Davis to do a lot and be extremely versatile could risk additional wear and tear on his body. Given his injury history, managing his workload is going to be crucial.

And of course, while Davis remains the best player in Dallas, there's a very real scenario in which Flagg inches closer to that title in the coming months. He's not likely to surpass AD's level as a rookie, but Cooper's developmental process is going to have to coexist with Davis' already-established star power.

All eyes from the national audience are going to be on the number one overall pick this season. Flagg will have a fantastic environment to thrive in, and what better guy to learn from than Davis? With that said, the balance between veteran production and bringing along the next generation will have to be delicate.

Ever since they won the draft lottery in May, the expectations for the Mavericks have skyrocketed. This team is now expected to contend in the West once again. And while Dallas certainly has the talent necessary to do that now, how they manage Anthony Davis’ role alongside their crowded frontcourt could ultimately determine whether this roster reaches its ceiling, or falls short of those lofty expectations.