MAVS NEWS:

[Smitty]

I think I would bet money that Lively starts the season as the starter, but to be honest I am more interested in him ramping up the minutes a little more and finishing games rather than who starts.  In time, Lively will need to start.  I think you can get away with it for another year if you desire.    I sort of like having a game changer coming off the bench.  I really don't think it matters who starts if the starter is replaced 4-5 minutes into the game.

There will come a time soon that Lively is one of the top leaders and his status will demand a starting spot.  Maybe that is now.  If not, I don't think Lively is a guy who will let this bother him.  It could be a different story in year 3 though.

I think Lively starts. Makes sense with a weaker defender (Klay) starting in place of DJJ. But to your point, the Mavs can start Gafford and bring Lively in at the 7 minute mark to finish the quarter, and "close". A quarter rotation of Gafford 5 min and Lively 7 min puts the split at Gafford 20 min and Lively 28 min with Lively closing. I think it will work itself out throughout the season, so I'm not worried about it.