Mavs Lineup:
Kyrie Irving Anfernee Simons PJ Washington Anthony Davis Dereck Lively II
Spencer Dinwiddie Quentin Grimes Dante Exum Naji Marshall Daniel Gafford
At the forefront, Kyrie Irving remains one of the most electrifying shot creators in the league. His elite ball-handling, clutch scoring, and championship experience make him a game-changer in any playoff series, adding to that his defense has improved lately especially last year in the western conference finals. Pairing him with Anfernee Simons, a dynamic young guard with elite three-point shooting and improved playmaking, gives Dallas a backcourt capable of both orchestrating the offense and stretching the floor. Anfernee and Grimes off the bench are two offensive cannons being dangerous to leave open with both averaging 40% on catch and shoots. Add the gravity of Kyrie and Lively pick and roll and Anthony Davis to that then the open looks will pile up more and more. Anfernee is a liability on defense though but with PJ, AD and Lively in the frontcourt it shouldn't be too much of issue as he can defend players with less offensive prowess like Dort, Caruso, Smart, Brooks etc. if they run into those teams in the playoffs.
In the frontcourt ADs defensive dominance, shot-blocking, and inside-out scoring complement the team’s style perfectly. Alongside him, Dereck Lively II provides elite rim protection, rebounding, and athleticism, forming one of the most imposing defensive frontcourts in the NBA, Evan Mobley and Allen on steroids basically. PJ Washington adds versatility as a floor-spacing forward who can defend multiple positions, making this frontcourt even more dangerous.
Championship teams are built on depth, and the Mavericks have solid role players who can step up in crucial moments. Spencer Dinwiddie provides veteran leadership and shot creation off the bench, while Quentin Grimes and Dante Exum bring perimeter defense and three-point shooting. Naji Marshall adds toughness and wing defense, and Daniel Gafford ensures the Mavericks always have an energetic rim protector on the floor. With Davis, Lively, Washington, and Grimes, Dallas has one of the best defensive units in the league. Their ability to switch on screens, protect the rim, and contest shots will make life difficult for opposing offenses in a playoff setting.
An 8 man playoff lineup of Kyrie, Simons, Grimes, Marshall, Washington, AD, Lively, Gafford seems impossible to stop imo. I don't think there is a 8 man rotation as good as that one in the entire league.
For the Magic they add veteran leadership + championship experience and much needed shooting for a pretty cheap price.