Mavericks announce massive change to starting lineup ahead of 2024-25 season

The Dallas Mavericks have officially tipped off the beginning of their 2024-25 campaign with the completion of Media Day on Monday afternoon.

Tomorrow the team will partake in its first day of training camp which will take place in Las Vegas before the Mavericks' first preseason affair against the Memphis Grizzlies on October 7.

Over the offseason, the Mavericks added several names including future Hall-of-Famer, Klay Thompson, the team also sought to ensure its defensive versatility with the addition of forward Naji Marshall. Both players will add much-needed shooting and flexibility on both ends of the floor, which will be a refreshing sight for Mavericks fans.

While there's been plenty of hype surrounding the Mavericks, fans finally got their first look at next year's squad as players and coaches answered the media's questions. One question on everybody's mind has been who will be the starting center for the Mavericks on opening night.

Kidd says Lively II will be Mavericks' new starting center

Over the offseason, there's been plenty of speculation that the Mavericks would likely roll with Dereck Lively II as their starting center. As rumored, Jason Kidd confirmed during media day that the Mavericks' former rookie standout will be the starting center on opening night.

This won't be the first time Dallas rolled with Lively II as the team's starting center as for a large period of last year's regular season, Lively II was the Mavericks' starting center until shortly after the All-Star break.

While the Mavericks went on one of the franchise's best runs with Lively II coming off the bench behind Daniel Gafford, there will still be high expectations for the second-year center to build off his spectacular rookie campaign.

During media day, Lively II stressed that one way he wants to get better this season is by being better mentally prepared for his role and also being a better communicator on the defense end. Throughout last season, Lively II was arguably Dallas' best defensive player, and it came in large part due to his ability to communicate with everyone when on the floor.

Despite being told he would be the opening night starter, Jason Kidd mentioned that the team would embrace competition within the rotation. There will not only be a log jam at the end of Dallas' rotation but also with the starting center position.

Last season, Dallas went on an incredible run with Daniel Gafford as the starting center, yet he still split reps with Lively II. This season will likely look the same with the two rim runners splitting reps throughout the game. Lively II will get the starting nod and maybe even the ability to finish games for the Mavericks.

Training camp and preseason will be a big tell whether or not the two centers will split reps throughout the game. The expectation will still be for Gafford and Lively II to see very similar minutes throughout a contest.

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