Report: Dallas Mavericks "content" with current center rotation

Noah Weber

Dallas Mavericks v Milwaukee Bucks / John Fisher/GettyImages

The Dallas Mavericks' biggest hole on their roster is starting center.

It has been for years.

They haven't had a good starting big man since Tyson Chandler left (for the second time), and it looks like there's a chance it may not get any better.

Report: Dallas Mavericks "content" with current center rotation

Even though the Mavs have been rumored in multiple trades for a new starting center, it seems that the front office may be fine with not making a trade after all.

According to The Athletic's Tim Cato (subscription required), "While Dallas could still trade for a big man, the team is content to enter next season with the centers currently on the roster." He also added that Dwight Powell would be the favorite to be the starting center if they don't trade for a new big.

The Mavericks current centers on their roster are Powell, Dereck Lively II, Richaun Holmes, and JaVale McGee. Although McGee will likely be traded or waived before the season starts, he is still on the roster. A center rotation of Powell, Lively II, and Holmes isn't the best, but it's not horrible either.

Holmes averaged 14.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game in the 2020-21 season and has seen his minutes decrease tremendously since he was playing behind Domantas Sabonis. He could have a huge year in Dallas, and Mark Cuban has even called him "the most underrated pickup of the summer."

Lively II will also have time to develop, as there has been no indication that Dallas will start him right out of the gates. It's a possibility, but there have been no reports regarding their plans for him, as training camp is still months away.

Powell could be the Mavs' starting center on opening night. Although this would frustrate fans as he isn't necessarily talented enough to be the starting center for a Finals contender, at least Dallas has tried to upgrade this summer.

They've been in trade rumors for both Deandre Ayton and Clint Capela, and there's still plenty of time for Dallas to make a trade for a new big. Nothing is set in stone yet. Fans have a right to be angry if Dallas does decide to roll with a rotation of Powell, Holmes, and Lively II, but they must wait until the start of the season because a trade could be on the horizon.

Dallas trading for a new big is still a possibility, but if they don't, they're fine with playing with what they have. Stay tuned to see if the Mavs end up making a trade for a new center or if they roll with the center platoon strategy that they've used the past few years.

Noah Weber

Noah Weber is the Site Expert for The Smoking Cuban, covering the Dallas Mavericks as a credentialed media member since the 2022-23 season. With a Bachelor of Science in Sports Media from Oklahoma State University, Noah has worked in sports journalism since 2019. While he's covered the Dallas Cowboys and Oklahoma State Cowboys, he has now established himself as a go-to voice for Mavericks coverage. Noah's expertise includes in-depth game analysis, social media content creation, and offering unique perspectives through his reporting. His work has been featured on major platforms such as ESPN, Bleacher Report, and Overtime. During his time at Oklahoma State, Noah won first place in the Oklahoma Broadcast Education Association Awards for a show he co-produced. Outside of covering the Mavs, Noah enjoys working out, playing basketball and Spikeball, and spending quality time with friends and family.