Mavericks coach Jason Kidd confirms 3 starters, other 2 spots 'up for grabs?'

Dallas Mavericks basketball is approaching quickly, and fans' excitement is building.

Everyone is excited to see how Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving fit together, and they'll get to see the early glimpses of that on September 27 as training camp begins.

Doncic and Irving's fit is crucial to Dallas' success this season, but the biggest storylines heading into camp have been the rookies.

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd confirms 3 starters, other 2 spots "up for grabs?"

The Mavericks drafted Dereck Lively II and Olivier-Maxence Prosper in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft, and it sounds like both rookies will be in the rotation right away.

Mavs head coach Jason Kidd was on "The Saturday Stein Line with Marc Stein" on September 23, and he talked about the teams' plans heading into training camp.

Kidd confirmed that Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, and Grant Williams are obviously all three starting, and referred to the starting lineup as "the big group." He also said that Lively II and Prosper will be in the starting lineup for camp and the early preseason, but that doesn't mean that they are the solidified starters.

When asked by Stein about the starting center spot, Kidd said that it is "up for grabs." Lively II will have to prove himself as a great fit in the starting lineup to keep the starting job, as Dwight Powell has great chemistry with Luka and has started in 243 games for the Mavs in his career.

When it comes to the starting spot on the wing, Kidd also alluded to it being "up for grabs." Just like Lively II, Prosper will have to be a great fit in the starting lineup to solidify him as a starter. Kidd mentioned that Tim Hardaway Jr. will likely be in a bench role as he discussed him being in the running for Sixth Man of the Year, so Prosper will be competing with Josh Green for the starting spot.

He said that "maybe Josh (Green) starting with the big group, maybe O-Max (Prosper) starting with the big group." Either one of those players could end up being the starting wing on opening night on October 25 against the San Antonio Spurs, and training camp and preseason will be a great preview to see who is the better fit.

Being a complimentary player to Doncic and Irving will be crucial for all three young players, and we will know soon if Lively II and Prosper are ready for the spotlight or if Powell and Green will claim the final two spots in the starting lineup.

We'll have you covered with all the latest news from training camp this week, so stay tuned.