Mavericks depth chart heading into 2021-2022 regular season

Dallas Mavericks depth chart heading into regular season: Power forward

Head coach Jason Kidd made it clear on media day that Kristaps Porzingis was going to play the four. The Mavs only have two options here unless they decide to play small ball and move Dorian Finney-Smith down.

Starter: Kristaps Porzingis

The Unicorn has been the Mavericks' most impressive player this preseason. Coach Kidd has him playing a different role, and it has helped KP’s confidence. Porzingis looks healthy and ready for a monster season. Kidd has talked about him being an All-Star again, and that is not out of the question judging by his preseason results.

Backup: Maxi Kleber

Kleber looks fit and ready for the start of the regular season after dealing with a nagging Achilles issue last year that hampered his production in the playoffs. His rim protection numbers decreased, and Kleber struggled to defend on the perimeter. Expect his defense to return this season, and the 40-plus percent from 3-point range to remain.

This is an area where Dallas could look to make an addition before the trade deadline. Having a combo forward role player with versatility would be a massive asset in the playoffs. Maxi Kleber fits that billing, but when defending Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Nicolas Batum, and Marcus Morris Sr., the Dallas Mavericks could use another forward option.