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Dallas Mavericks: Who is the mystery 5th starter?

By Adithya Prabakaran

DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 18: Dwight Powell #7 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts with Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks against the New Orleans Pelicans at American Airlines Center on March 18, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 18: Dwight Powell #7 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts with Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks against the New Orleans Pelicans at American Airlines Center on March 18, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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SAN ANTONIO, TX – APRIL 10: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks congratulates Justin Jackson #44 of the Dallas Mavericks during game against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center on April 10, 2019 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX – APRIL 10: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks congratulates Justin Jackson #44 of the Dallas Mavericks during game against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center on April 10, 2019 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /

The Dallas Mavericks have finished their preseason tour in Vancouver, British Columbia against the LA Clippers. While there were several questions answered regarding how the team’s potential, we still don’t know who the 5th starter will be?

After dropping their first three games of the preseason, the Dallas Mavericks dominated the Oklahoma City Thunder and LA Clippers to end the preseason 2-3. There were many bright spots in all 5 games even with players in and out of the starting lineup.

Second year star Luka Doncic has played like an All-Star in his limited minutes, fifth year All-Star Kristaps Porzingis has had a seamless transition into the Mavericks offense and has shown his rim protecting ability on defense. Third year veteran Maxi Kleber continues to show his defensive IQ and athleticism while also earning some points off of various picks. In fact, the only downside to the starting lineup has been Delon Wright, and even he has come on stronger the last two games.

To fill the starting lineup, coach Rick Carlisle has used players guard/forward Tim Hardaway Jr, forward Justin Jackson, forward Dorian Finney-Smith, guard Jalen Brunson, and guard/forward Courtney Lee. This list is leaving out forward Dwight Powell who was sidelined with a hamstring strain.

The ability to play just about anyone in the starting lineup speaks volume about the talent on the starting lineup as well as the position flexibility the Mavericks can provide. This team should be able to cater to different starting lineups on any given night.

However, when we ask the question, “who’s the Mavericks’ fifth starter” it becomes quite unclear because nightly matchups are different. Even so, there is expected to be a consistent starter no matter the team who will log more than half the season’s games, and for that reason, we will attempt to find the best fit for the starting lineup.

And away we go….

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