The NBA has been trending in a smaller direction for several years.
Centers are optional, unless of course they can knock down 3-point shots.
Mavericks’ coach Rick Carlisle has gone so far to say that he wouldn’t be opposed to playing 6-7 Dorian Finney-Smith at center in some situations. And that he could envision five guards on the court at some point.
Of course, when one of those guards is rebound-grabbing 6-7 Luka Doncic, you have that luxury.
The interesting aspect about the Mavericks – and one of the things they might turn into a major advantage come playoff time – is that they have the two tallest players in the NBA on their side.