5 Dark horse candidates to eventually break into Mavericks' starting lineup

The Dallas Mavericks have been very busy this offseason.

Since their loss to the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals, the team has adjusted their defensive capabilities and outside shooting.

Some moves for instance, like signing Spencer Dinwiddie might have some heads scratching as to who the Mavericks might give up during the season if things were to go south or if they need to make an upgrade at the trade deadline.

5 Dark horse candidates to eventually break into Mavericks' starting lineup

The question remains: what kind of lineups will we see from the Mavs next season?

Injuries hurt the Mavericks for much of last season. This would force them to try different lineups throughout the season and play with different combinations.

While Daniel Gafford saw the starting lineup after getting traded, his minutes were eventually taken by rookie Dereck Lively II within the first four minutes of the 2024 NBA Finals. The Mavs ran a platoon at center, with both players exemplifying why they should be starting.

Differrent starting lineups will be used, and adjustments will be made accordingly by Jason Kidd.

5. Naji Marshall

Naji Marshall has been arguably seen as the new enforcer for the team. He's someone who can step up as a bruiser. He's comparable to Derrick Jones Jr. with his similar skill set.

Marshall is someone who could take a starting spot if superstars Luka Doncic or Kyrie Irving are down with injuries, or even Klay Thompson. Even though Doncic plays the one position, both Doncic and Irving can play the point guard if necessary.

Marshall could play alongside Thompson with plenty of frontcourt depth for the Mavs.

There would be plenty of guard scoring depth for the Mavericks, so that wouldn't be an issue for Marshall's spot in a starting lineup.

Someone who's an old-school, hard-nosed basketball player still has a spot in the starting lineup. Marshall is easily a likable guy on any team who will step up and get into the face of an opponent when he needs to.

Derrick Jones Jr. had a solid starting spot with Dallas where he made an NBA Finals appearance. Marshall is the perfect role player who can serve as a player and an enforcer.

The scenario for Marshall would be coming onto the lineup if an injury were to take place or if Thompson's defense is strugglesome. But nonetheless, he's an underrated, valuable asset that will help the team hopefully for years to come.