Mavericks' starting lineup problem is one that every team wishes they had

The Dallas Mavericks are set to begin their first week of preseason. The team is set to face the Memphis Grizzlies today, before going up against the Utah Jazz on Thursday. Dallas then has two more preseason games after. The Mavs though will look out to close training camp on a strong note.

The team had quite an interesting training camp this past week. Things started strong when Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson all got in some work together. The Mavs trio has high expectations, believing they could lead the team back to the promised land.

However, things went south when Dallas suffered injuries to two of its players. Doncic fell first when he sustained a calf contusion the weekend ahead of training camp. Mavs fans can only hope he comes back healthy. Dante Exum suffered a more severe injury, as he injured his wrist and could require surgery.

Mavs' center position could be team's most powerful position battle

One of the top headlines is the matchup between Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II. The Mavs centers have been battling it out for the top spot. Both players have been fighting for buckets down low and knocking down 3-pointers when watching the videos that the Mavs are posting on social media. Neither one is backing down, as they continue to prove their worth.

In the video below you can see both players fighting for position at the 17-second mark. Then at the 22-second mark, you see Gafford knock down a 3-pointer. This is something Mavs' fans have yet to see.

So, what's the issue?

Honestly, nothing really. Dallas has two dominant centers that can easily take over. This allows the Mavericks to have a secondary big man who can duplicate the other's success and pick up where the other left off.

Last season, Dallas started the year bringing Lively II off the bench. The Mavs had Maxi Kleber start at the five in their first game of the season. He then became the team's main center until the all-star break. Dallas changed gears when they traded for Gafford back in February. He became the team's starting center most of last season. His immediate impact allowed the team to distribute the ball effectively and have a dominant big man.

Things are expected to change this coming season, as coach Jason Kidd announced that Lively II would be the team's starting center on opening night. Assuming this is the case, Dallas could have a dilemma.

The team has two interchangeable centers. The issue is it will be difficult to have either one of them on the bench. This creates a friendly problem, where both players will push one another to grow and prosper at the center position. This is the ideal competition every team would love to have.

Mavs fans should rejoice. The dog days of struggling at the five spots are over. Dallas endured countless hours of big men who were always injured or failed to meet the team's expectations.

This dilemma could be the perfect recipe for success.

Stay tuned, as the Dallas Mavericks look to dominant teams with their two-headed monster at the center position.