10 Reasons the Dallas Mavericks can win the NBA Finals this year

4. Two-headed monster at center

Tim Hardaway Jr.'s production is just the icing on the cake for the Dallas Mavericks. The team has also improved in other ways. For example, the team has a healthy All-Star in Kyrie Irving, whom they can pair alongside Luka Doncic.

Other key differences have been the improved play of Josh Green and the shooting production of Dante Exum and Maxi Kleber.

However, one difference has been the play of centers Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford. Both players have been key contributors for Dallas.

Lively II, for instance, has been huge for the Mavs inside. He can use his wingspan to rebound down low or block shots at the rim. The Dallas rookie can also box out and fight for loose balls. Lively II has been important on the defensive side, as he averages 1.5 blocks and 4.9 defensive rebounds. It's clear to say he is the Mavs' best center since Tyson Chandler.

Gafford, on the other hand, was acquired to back up Lively II. This is a role that has been suiting him just fine. The Mavs' center has averaged a double-double with 12.5 points and 10.3 rebounds since coming to Dallas. He has also been a huge rim protector, averaging two blocks and bringing energy and hustle.

Nothing says, the two-headed monster at cente can't lead the team deep come playoff time as they may have to face Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.