Mavericks updated starting lineup, depth chart after Kyrie Irving trade

Dallas Mavericks updated small forward depth chart with Kyrie Irving

I would start Reggie Bullock at the three. The Mavericks are going to need defense with a Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving backcourt, especially if they keep Christian Wood starting. Bullock is the team’s best perimeter defender after Dorian Finney-Smith was traded to Brooklyn, but head coach Jason Kidd likely keeps Hardaway Jr. in the opening five.

Starter: Tim Hardaway Jr.

THJ is shooting just 28.4 percent from 3-point range over his last ten games, but he nailed five 3-pointers on Saturday night against the Warriors. Hardaway Jr. is a streaky shooter, and Dallas needs floor spacers to knock down jumpers off Doncic drives. The team is exploring deals involving THJ, so that could further shake things up in Dallas.

Backup: Reggie Bullock

Bullock will likely play more minutes in the postseason than Hardaway Jr. whether he starts or comes off the bench. They need his defense on the floor, and fans saw the impact Bullock made in their run to the conference finals last season.

Third-string: Theo Pinson

Two-way contract: A.J. Lawson

Pinson played some backup center against the Warriors, and he will be an important locker-room piece with Kyrie joining the Mavericks. Pinson and Irving played together in Brooklyn, and the former could be key in keeping the locker room upbeat when the drama begins.