The Dallas Mavericks and Dwight Powell Are at a Crossroads

The Dallas Mavericks are going to have to make some changes this summer without a doubt, and that may start with the ambiguous character of Dwight Powell.

When the Dallas Mavericks first made the trade for Dwight Powell, no one thought much about it, being much more interested to see what Rajon Rondo was going to do for the team. Now, a few years later, that ship has sailed and people have been more intrigued by Dwight Powell and his game that continues to get better each year.

There hasn’t been a player in recent Mavs history who has had so much love and hate from the fans. And it really is a split between love and hate for him. Many will say that he has potential that most players can only dream of, while others believe that potential is lost and that it is time to give up on him.

Dec 12, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dwight Powell (7) warms up before the game against the Denver Nuggets at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Personally, I tend to stand in the middle with Powell. I have never been totally impressed by his play and have questioned his decision making all too often, but I also do not hate him as a player and can see the potential. However, I believe that potential will be another team’s concern very soon.

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When the Mavericks made the move for Nerlens Noel, most people who thought about it realized quickly that Powell’s days in Dallas were probably limited. Although there has been no word of a potential move this summer, it seems that his and Noel’s style are too similar to require both of them on the roster. And if the sky is the limit for Powell, the moon must be the limit for Noel.

When Powell signed the big contract with Dallas, a lot of people questioned it. The truth is, with the current state of the NBA Salary Cap, this contract is not outrageous and other teams would be fine absorbing it if they feel they can tap into his potential. Plus, a new team and coach may be a good thing for Powell.

Really, the truth is that Powell is not a player worth taking a risk on anymore in Dallas. Efforts this summer will be focused on finding a point guard or new power forward, while Noel and Salah Mejri inevitably take up most of the center minutes. It’s not that Powell isn’t serviceable, but there are too many players ahead of him in the rotation.

I expect to see the Mavs jump on a deal quickly to move Powell this summer, and hope that it even comes with some draft compensation in the process. That is something that the Mavericks would be happy to accept. Whether you like Powell or not, it is not hard to see that he has no role with this team anymore.

Next: The Developing Offensive Game of Nerlens Noel

With his time in Dallas possibly winding down, enjoy the moments that we see Powell in the game the rest of this season. There may never be another player who makes us jump out of our seat and then scratch our head in back-to-back plays, but we have enjoyed the ride, nevertheless.

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