One of the most interesting tandems for the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season is the frontcourt duo of Dereck Lively II and Anthony Davis of the Dallas Mavericks. Fans can’t wait to see Davis play power forward, while Lively serves as the team’s center for most of the season. Many expect them to be one of the more challenging frontcourt pairs, given their size and ability to protect the rim.
One issue they could encounter involves spacing. With two big men inside the paint, it clogs up their offense from inside, making it easier for defenses to predict what they’re doing. Fortunately for the Mavs, Davis is capable of setting in the perimeter and operating away from the basket. This opens up more room inside for Lively to serve as an offensive option.
The former Duke big man also revealed that most opposing teams tend to focus on Davis. This allows Lively to be the forgotten man on offense and open up new options for Dallas.