2024-25 Dallas Mavericks Projected Starting Lineup

The Dallas Mavericks are coming off an impressive NBA Finals run, where they defied expectations and fought their way to the championship series. Despite falling short against the Boston Celtics, the Mavericks' journey to the Finals solidified them as a legitimate contender in the Western Conference. Dallas finished the regular season with a 50-32 record, earning the 5th seed in the West. They managed to knock out the Los Angeles Clippers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves on their way to the Finals.

After a taste of the Finals, the Dallas Mavericks are hungry to get back and win it all. They made key additions to their roster in the offseason and look well-equipped to make another deep playoff run. Let’s take a closer look at their projected starting lineup and key reserves for the 2024-25 season.

Point Guard (PG)

Starter: Luka Doncic

Reserves: Jaden Hardy, Dante Exum, Brandon Williams, Jazian Gortman

Luka Doncic is coming off an MVP-caliber season where he finished 3rd in the MVP voting, solidifying his status as one of the NBA’s top players. Doncic averaged a staggering 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game while shooting 48.7% from the field and 38.2% from beyond the arc. As the Mavericks’ undisputed leader and number one option, Doncic continues to elevate his game and carry the offensive load for Dallas.

Despite his incredible offensive numbers, Doncic’s defense was exposed during the NBA Finals against the Celtics, highlighting an area he will need to improve on this season. However, his basketball IQ, elite playmaking, and scoring abilities make him one of the most dangerous players in the league. If Doncic can improve defensively, the Mavericks will be even more formidable.

Jaden Hardy continues to be a valuable scoring option off the bench, while veteran Dante Exum brings versatility and defense to the backup point guard position. Brandon Williams and Jazian Gortman add depth and will compete for minutes in a talented backcourt.

Shooting Guard (SG)

Starter: Kyrie Irving

Reserves: Spencer Dinwiddie, Quentin Grimes, AJ Lawson

Kyrie Irving has found his perfect fit as the "Robin" to Luka Doncic’s "Batman." After missing the playoffs in his first half-season with the Mavericks, Irving bounced back in 2023-24 with a stellar year, averaging 25.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game while shooting an efficient 49.7% from the field and 41.1% from three-point range. Irving not only regained his form but also shed the "team-killer" label that had plagued his career, as he became an integral part of the Mavericks' Finals run.

Irving's elite scoring and playmaking, combined with his chemistry with Doncic, have made him a fan favorite in Dallas. Now fully settled, Irving will be aiming to help the Mavericks get over the hump and capture their first NBA title since 2011.

Backing up Irving is Spencer Dinwiddie, who offers another scoring and playmaking option off the bench. Quentin Grimes, acquired in the offseason, brings defensive tenacity and shooting, while AJ Lawson provides additional depth.

Small Forward (SF)

Starter: Klay Thompson

Reserves: Naji Marshall, O-Max Prosper, Emanuel Miller

In one of the offseason’s biggest surprises, Klay Thompson decided to leave the Golden State Warriors after spending his entire career there to join the Mavericks for a fresh start. Thompson had a down year last season, averaging 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 43.2% from the field and 31.2% from three-point range—his lowest shooting numbers since his rookie season. 

Many questioned whether Thompson was past his prime, but the Mavericks are betting that a new environment and playing alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving will revitalize the sharpshooting veteran.

Thompson will have a chip on his shoulder this season, eager to prove that he still has plenty left in the tank. Playing with two elite playmakers in Doncic and Irving should result in plenty of open looks for Thompson, and if he can regain his shooting touch, Dallas’ offense will be even more dangerous.

Backing up Thompson is Naji Marshall, another solid offseason addition who brings defensive versatility and hustle. O-Max Prosper, a rookie, and Emanuel Miller will provide depth and energy off the bench.

Power Forward (PF)

Starter: PJ Washington

Reserves: Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris, Kessler Edwards

PJ Washington joined the Mavericks at the trade deadline last season and made an immediate impact with his two-way play. Washington averaged 12.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game while shooting 43.6% from the field and 32.0% from beyond the arc. His ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions made him a key part of the Mavericks' rotation.

Washington will continue to be a vital cog for Dallas, particularly on the defensive end, where his size and athleticism allow him to guard both wings and bigs. He also brings valuable floor-spacing, which will open up driving lanes for Doncic and Irving.

Veteran forward Maxi Kleber remains a key piece off the bench, known for his defense and three-point shooting. Markieff Morris and Kessler Edwards provide further depth and physicality in the frontcourt.

Center (C)

Starter: Daniel Gafford

Reserves: Dereck Lively II, Dwight Powell, Jamarion Sharp

The Mavericks made a significant upgrade at center last season by acquiring Daniel Gafford at the trade deadline. Gafford quickly made his presence felt, finishing the season averaging 11.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting a scorching 72.5% from the field. Gafford’s rim protection and rebounding were crucial for Dallas, and his ability to finish around the basket provided a much-needed interior scoring option.

Gafford will be counted on to anchor the defense again this season, and his shot-blocking ability will be key in protecting the paint. His presence allows the Mavericks to play a more aggressive defensive scheme, knowing they have a shot-blocker behind them.

Backing up Gafford is promising young center Dereck Lively II, who had a solid rookie season, averaging 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 74.7% from the field. Dwight Powell remains a steady veteran presence, and Jamarion Sharp adds more size and shot-blocking to the rotation.

The Dallas Mavericks enter the 2024-25 season with championship aspirations after reaching the NBA Finals last season. With Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving leading the way, along with key additions like Klay Thompson, PJ Washington, and Daniel Gafford, the Mavericks have the firepower to challenge for a title once again.

The main focus for the Mavericks this season will be improving on defense, especially for Doncic, who was exposed in the Finals against Boston. If the team can stay healthy and address their defensive weaknesses, they have the potential to make another deep playoff run and contend for their second NBA championship. With new additions fitting seamlessly into their system, the Mavericks have assembled a well-rounded roster capable of competing with the best teams in the league.

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