The Dallas Mavericks’ core took another hit. Their roster for the preseason was already shaky. Injuries have sidelined key players like Luka Doncic. They surely didn’t need another hooper on their ‘injured roster’, however, things always don’t turn out the way we want. So, a new addition in the form of Dante Exum has hit the headlines with a serious wrist injury. And now things may turn more difficult for Jason Kidd & Co.

You may wonder, how serious is Exum’s condition. Well, if we say it’s pretty bad, it might be an understatement. This is because, four days ago, ESPN’s senior NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the 29YO point guard had “sustained a serious right wrist injury that could require surgery.” Coach Kidd faced the looming nightmare of having Exum benched for most of the season. And now it seems, that assumptions have turned into reality.

Shams Charania has just informed via his X handle, that Dante Exum will miss three months of the 2024/25 season. Well, it looks like the Mavericks SG has undergone surgery on his right wrist, as per the sources. Therefore, another early loss to the Mavericks backcourt- Exum will be off to recover and rehab in due course. Another soldier of Jason Kidd’s battalion falls prey to injuries. He is the umpteenth addition to the injured list, headed by Doncic and P.J. Washington Jr.

Exum averaged 7.8 points, 2.9 assists, and 2.7 rebounds in 55 games for the Mavericks during the 2023-24 regular season. During Dallas’ run in the NBA Finals, Exum averaged two points, 0.8 rebounds, and 0.6 assists in 21 games. He might not be the most prolific scorer for the Mavs but is a solid bench option for the team. With receding choices regularly, Jason Kidd must sort his plans out to go beyond being season runners-up this time.

Jason Kidd might have just hinted at a change in the Mavericks’ starting line-up

Slovenian star, Luka Doncic has been a phenomenon in the last season for the Mavs. Alongside him, Kyrie Irving was also a huge force for the team. However, with injuries marring the team and engulfing the wingmen in its tentacles, new plans need to be made. So, Dallas’ HC, Jason Kidd is looking out for other options on his roster for the 2024/25 season. Over the years, the Mavs have been a consistent team in terms of performance. However, the center has been a concerning issue for the squad. And it seems the coaching staff wants to turn the tables.

Dereck Lively II had a standout rookie season for the Mavericks, contributing significantly as a key bench player during their run to the 2024 NBA Finals. Despite his impressive performance, coach Jason Kidd did not start Lively II over Daniel Gafford in the playoffs. However, the coach confirmed that Lively II will be the starting center in the regular season.

After the Dallas Mavericks‘ first preseason game, a 121-116 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, Kidd hinted that Lively II might start in the next game. He explained, “With so many people out, we just wanted to see different guys playing with each other.” While some fans were disappointed that Lively II didn’t start, Jason Kidd emphasized the importance of team chemistry.  Although Gafford has more experience, Lively II is ready for a full-time starting role. Kidd also suggested that Lively II could start against the Jazz, stating, “We’ll probably most likely start someone else at center on Thursday.”

Fans are eager to see Lively II in the starting lineup, and he shone in Monday’s loss, recording 12 points in just 14 minutes. Well, it looks like HC Jason Kidd has some plans up his sleeves that will benefit the team. Crucial measures are necessary at this point as half the 2024/25 roster is injury-stricken. This situation also gives rise to questions like what would Jason Kidd’s boys do throughout the season. What do you think?