Mavs LISTEN: Brunson Starting, 'Easy' Chriss Decision & Backup PG Josh Green?

The Dallas Mavericks have a lot of stuff going for them lately. Luka Doncic is back, Jalen Brunson has become a full-time starter, Josh Green is playing backup point guard, and Marquese Chriss has made Mark Cuban's 'hard' roster decision an 'easy' one. Let's talk about it on today's Mavs Step Back Podcast.

At long last, it looks like Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd is going to start Jalen Brunson next to Doncic for the foreseeable future. Some questioned the defensive capabilities of that starting backcourt, and some wondered how the Mavs' bench would survive with Brunson graduating to the starting lineup, but it's pretty clear that the benefits he provides as a starter outweigh any potential hurdles created for the second unit.

On this episode of the Mavs Step Back Podcast, host Dalton Trigg talks about why it's so important that Dallas is choosing to start Brunson now rather than later. And as for those second unit distributor worries? That could be addressed later on this season by signing a bought-out Goran Dragic, or something of that nature. But for now, Kidd is experimenting with what he has at hand, as we saw in the Mavs' win over OKC where second-year man Josh Green was utilized as the backup point guard.

Another pressing issue for Dallas is the future of current hardship signee Marquese Chriss. Chriss has been a delightful add into the Mavs' mix with his lively play. He's comfortable in pick-and-rolls or pick-and-pops, he can fight for a rebound, and he can knock down three-pointers. Chriss led the Mavs with 15 points and seven rebounds on Sunday night against the Thunder, all while just playing 14 minutes. 

Owner Mark Cuban said from Chriss' first game with the Mavs that there would be 'hard roster decisions' to make before these hardship contracts end, but Chriss has done his best to make it a 'no-brainer' roster decision. You can listen to the entire episode here:

If you enjoy listening to Mavs Step Back, be sure to sign up for Mavs Step Back PREMIUM to receive access to:

• LIVE virtual watch parties (private links)
• Ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus episodes
• Occasional exclusive written content (Like our recent Mavs roster talk with Mark Cuban)
• Our community discord channel
• Exclusive giveaways (like this one here for a Luka Doncic rookie card)

As always, thanks for tuning in!