Dallas Mavericks Starting Lineup: Start em’ or Sit em’

The Dallas Mavericks are who we thought they were? At least in terms of expected wins they did what was need. Currently, the team sits at 5-3 and are tied for third place in the Wild Western Conference.

This isn’t bad for a team who has yet to find their identity and match their offensive performance from years’ past.

While the season may be young, it doesn’t hurt to examine the Mavs’ performance thus far.

One of the biggest struggles up to date has been their three point percentage. This season the team is shooting 30.7 percent from beyond the arc. Compare that to last season and Dallas hit 36.4 of its baskets from long range.

The acquisitions of players such as Reggie Bullock and Sterling Brown were expected to boost the team’s shooting percentage, but that has yet to be seen.

With the team struggling from all over the field, it leaves fans to wonder:

Which Dallas Mavericks’ players deserve a spot in the starting lineup?

As we examine a list of stars, we will breakdown who deserves a shot to start and who does not.

Let’s Begin!

Jalen Brunson:

One of the highlights of the season this year has been the play of guard Jalen Brunson. The young guard us fighting for a massive contract and hopes to prove to the organization there is more to him than meets the eye. Over the past two games Coach Jason Kidd has taken a chance on Brunson and allowed him to start.

Over those two games he demonstrated the offensive impact he can have on the court. Against the Miami Heat, he balled out. Brunson hit 10 of 13 of his shots and taped in 25 points, while also making both of his three point shots.

Fast forward to two days later and his hot trend continued. In an away game against the San Antonio Spurs, the 6’1 guard stole the show. He tallied a season high 31 points and made nine of his 17 attempts. Oh and who forget his game winner.

When it is all said and done, Brunson definitely deserves a starting role. He proven his worth and take a load of pressure off All-Star Luka Doncic. Give the man his contract now.

Dwight Powell:

In contrast to Brunson, Dwight Powell has a consistence problem. Over the three games Powell has had a series of up and down performances. Against the Spurs, the starting center had just six rebounds to go along six points and three turnovers.

When comparing how he stacks up to other NBA centers, his number don’t quite match up. In terms of player efficiency ratings for current centers, Powel came in at 46. This pretty low for a player who a near 25 minutes per game.

Some of his struggles include a high turnover ratio and inability to crack a top 50 spot for rebounds per game. While the player council voted on Powell being a starting center, they must being looking elsewhere if his numbers continue to drop. His numbers speak volume.

Currently, the team has six centers on the roster and Powell is suppose to be your best one?

It might be time to give someone else a chance.

Dorian Finney-Smith

One final Mavs starter, that must be examined is small forward Finney-Smith. The wing defender has struggled on the offensive side of the ball this season. Currently he is hitting 20 percent of his shots from three.

Some of his biggest obstacles include his inability to hit half of his open shots.

Against the Spurs the other night he went zero of four from three. Flashback even further to Halloween weekend and his number weren’t up to par. He made one of his six attempts from beyond the arc.

It is simple: his biggest struggles include his ability to improve upon his performance from last season.

His days in the starting lineup could be numbered if his production fails to increase.

The only Mavs player here who truly deserves a starting role is Brunson. If he can keep his stock up high, his ceiling will follow and he will prove his worth.

Are there any other players Mavs’ fans would like to see added to the lineup?