Dallas Mavericks’ potential starting five following the Kyrie Irving trade
The basketball world has been buzzing since the Dallas Mavericks acquired former Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving via a last-minute trade. In return, the Nets received Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, and a few future picks. With Irving now in Dallas, Luka Doncic now has much-needed help to carry the Mavericks to a potential championship this season.
The Dallas Mavericks are currently sitting in sixth place with a 28-26 record. Now that Kyrie Irving is officially part of the squad, Mavs fans are expecting him and Luka Doncic to push the team's standing further up the ladder. But let's not forget that there are three other players in the starting lineup who'll support the two superstars.
With that said, who could potentially be the Mavs' starting five moving forward?
Dallas Mavericks' potential new starting five
PG - Kyrie Irving
It's a no-brainer that Kyrie Irving will become the Dallas Mavericks' starting point guard. Irving is currently averaging 27.1 points, 5.3 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game. With "Uncle Drew" in the lineup, the scoring burden on Luka Doncic is likely to be reduced.
SG - Tim Hardaway Jr.
Tim Hardaway Jr. is a natural wing player, but that doesn't mean he can't play the role of a shooting guard. According to Lineups.com, Hardaway Jr. has played at the two-guard position on several occasions. Now that Spencer Dinwiddie is gone, there isn't a true shooting guard capable enough to fill the starting role. Hardaway Jr. is currently averaging 13.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists.
SF - Luka Doncic
With Kyrie Irving now in the lineup, Luka Doncic can focus on different aspects of the game. Similar to LeBron James, Doncic is an all-round player. Since LeBron James plays at three while running the offense, Doncic can do something similar. This all depends on what the Mavericks coaching staff decides to do. Luka is currently averaging 33.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, 8.2 assists, and 1.5 steals.
PF - Reggie Bullock
Reggie Bullock wouldn't mind moving up to the power forward position since he typically switches between three and four. Bullock is averaging 6.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists.
C - Dwight Powell
Dwight Powell has been a consistent starting center for the Mavs since the 2021-22 NBA season. It's safe to say this won't change anytime soon. Dallas' big man is averaging 6.6 points and 4.0 rebounds.