As the offseason nears, the Dallas Mavericks gear up for a crucial draft, with Cooper Flagg expected to be the top pick. While the team awaits the 2024-25 NBA champion, its roster remains a work in progress, necessitating strategic moves in free agency and trades. The focus shifts to the center position, highlighting the current roster's strengths and vulnerabilities.

The Mavericks currently have Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford as prominent options, along with the versatile Anthony Davis, who may see time at center depending on matchups. The health of these players, particularly Lively, will be pivotal after a season marred by injuries. If the Mavericks can maintain depth and health, their big man rotation could emerge as one of the league's best.

Jason Kidd, head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, is preparing for a significant roster transformation ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season. With Luka Doncic likely leaving, the Mavericks will focus on a size-first strategy, featuring Anthony Davis alongside 7-foot center Dereck Lively. Kidd has expressed his excitement over the potential of this revamped lineup and the strategic changes it entails.

In a recent interview, Kidd commented on the shift toward utilizing bigger players effectively in the NBA, acknowledging that teams are beginning to recognize the advantages of having a duo of skilled bigs. He highlighted that the Mavericks' depth will be critical, especially given the injury histories of Davis and Lively, implying that players like Daniel Gafford and Naji Marshall may need to step up during conflicts.

Dereck Lively II has quickly become a cornerstone for the Dallas Mavericks, contributing significantly during his rookie campaign and following it up with a promising second season. Drafted from Duke, Lively's performance earned him a spot on the NBA's All-Rookie Second Team, and he continued to garner fan support in Dallas as he faced personal challenges, including the loss of his mother to Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Comparisons to former Maverick Tyson Chandler highlight his potential in the league as he develops his offensive game, particularly his 3-point shooting, which showed promise during pre-draft workouts. As the Mavericks look toward a potential third season leap for Lively, his ability to recover from injuries will be key.

Dallas Mavericks defied the odds by securing the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, greatly increasing the anticipation surrounding Cooper Flagg, the likely top selection. Flagg expressed surprise at the outcome but praised Dallas for its promising roster, including fellow Duke player Dereck Lively II. He reflected on his experience with the USA Select team, noting how it instilled in him the importance of hard work and preparation.

The Mavericks, featuring high-caliber players like Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, have the potential to build a formidable team as they look towards the future with the addition of the 18-year-old Flagg. The combination of youth and experience may restore the Mavericks to contention, provided they can maintain player health.

Cooper Flagg stands on the verge of stepping into the NBA spotlight, potentially teaming up with Dereck Lively II on the Dallas Mavericks after being drafted. The Mavericks, buoyed by their recent lottery victory, are looking to build a formidable frontcourt with Flagg's versatility and Lively's size and skill.

Jon Scheyer, head coach at Duke, highlighted the synergy between Flagg and Lively, imagining their dynamic together in Dallas. Given the Mavs' star-studded roster, including Kyrie Irving, Flagg's confidence will be crucial for him to thrive in a competitive environment.