The Mavericks' projected starting 5 after trading Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis looks good
prince j. grimes
·1-min read
DALLAS, TEXAS - JANUARY 07: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on January 07, 2025 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 Sam Hodde/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776209622 ORIG FILE ID: 2192886777
Whenever you trade one of the five best players in the NBA like the Dallas Mavericks did in parting with Luka Doncic, you're not likely going to come out of that deal as a winner. But while the Mavs left no shortage of people scratching their heads about the deal, they didn't exactly come away empty-handed.
Anthony Davis is an All-NBA talent and great addition to any lineup, and he figures to slot in next to a true center for the first time in a long time to give Dallas a ferocious defensive front-court. The rest of the starting lineup doesn't look so bad either.
Dec 27, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) shoots the ball against Phoenix Suns forward Josh Okogie (2) during the third quarter at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Backup: Spencer Dinwiddie
SHOOTING GUARD: Klay Thompson
Jan 12, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31) celebrates after he makes a three point basket against the Denver Nuggets during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Backup: Jaden Hardy, Max Christie
SMALL FORWARD: P.J. Washington
Jan 31, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) dribbles in the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-894497 ORIG FILE ID: 20250131_ams_aa1_0118.JPG
Backup: Quentin Grimes
POWER FORWARD: Anthony Davis
Dec 2, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) dribbles against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Backup: Naji Marshall
CENTER: Daniel Gafford
Dec 21, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) dunks the ball past LA Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images