It took just minutes for Jason Kidd to extinguish a burning Mavericks question

The Dallas Mavericks opened the 2024-25 season with media day on Sept. 30. They are fresh off a run to the NBA Finals and have arguably the best dynamic duo in the league. Dallas has massive goals this season, but there were changes too.

Klay Thompson joined the team, and the Mavs must fill in for the departed Derrick Jones Jr. on the wing. Dereck Lively II is ready to take the next step in year two, but the Mavs traded for Daniel Gafford at the 2024 deadline. Who is their starting center? There are certainly questions to answer this year.

Kidd quickly solved one of the marquee ones in his first press conference of the season. Here is a look at what the Hall of Famer said and what it means for the Mavs.

Jason Kidd named his starting center just minutes into his first presser

J-Kidd talked about the Mavericks having healthy competition across the roster and their depth being an advantage. The head coach was asked about who starts at the five, and the head coach was not shy about letting everyone know.

Kidd joked that both players believing they can hit 3-pointers this season, but the second-year big man’s upside makes this the correct move.

Lively II should start and get the majority of the minutes at the five. He is a strong rim protector, rebounder, and roll man with a developing game. The 20-year-old showed flashes of being able to switch on to the perimeter, and he has certainly worked on his jumper. D-Live is far from a finished product and will be significantly improved in year two.

Gafford must accept his role as the reserve big man. There will be nights when he gets the majority of the minutes. It is a long 82-game regular season, and Dallas wants 48 minutes of strong center play every night. Gafford is a massive part of that, even if he must accept a reserve role after starting for the entire playoff run in 2024.

Head coach Jason Kidd is not worried. He talked about Lively II and Gafford supporting each other during his first presser of the season. The Hall of Famer believes in his roster and expects both players to be key parts of his rotation.

The Dallas Mavericks are back and eager to finish the job. They are not satisfied with reaching the NBA Finals. Dallas wants their second championship, and the franchise has a serious shot this season. Dereck Lively II taking a step forward and everyone buying into their roles will be key parts of achieving that goal. Stay tuned to see if everything falls into place.