Each NBA team’s projected starting lineup for 2023–24
By Cal Durrett
Projected starting lineup: Dallas Mavericks
Point Guard: Luka Doncic
Shooting Guard: Kyrie Irving
Small Forward: Tim Hardaway Jr.
Power Forward: Grant Williams
Center: Dwight Powell
What a difference a year makes for the Mavericks! Their starting lineup looked much different heading into the 2022–23 season than it does heading into the 2023–24 season. Change isn’t always good, but it should be in their case with Dallas having dramatically upgraded. Instead of solely relying on superstar Luka Doncic, they now have seven-time all-star Kyrie Irving, who was acquired at last season’s trade deadline.
Although they didn’t make the playoffs last season, he still averaged a terrific 27 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists in 20 games with the team. With a full training camp to get used to his new teammates, Irving could be even better and prove to be a difference-maker this season by giving Dallas one of the best one-two punches in the NBA.
In addition to Luka and Irving, Dallas also added Williams in a sign-and-trade with Boston. Williams is an above-average shooter at power forward, which should help increase their spacing along with Hardaway Jr. He also proved to be a capable defender during his time in Boston.
The Mavs have even sought to upgrade at center But for the time being, they should be fine with long-time center Dwight Powell continuing to start, and Dallas as a whole should be much improved.