Training Camp Battle: Acy vs Powell

Training camp started this week, and there are a number of positional and roster battles going on. One of the most intriguing ones to watch will be between Quincy Acy and Dwight Powell.

Quincy Acy and Dwight Powell are two very similar players with a lot to prove. They’re both 25 years old and play around 12-15 minutes per game off the bench. Statistically, their numbers are virtually identical. Acy averages 4.5 points per game, Powell averages 5. Acy averages 3.6 rebounds per game, Powell averages 3.3. Assists, steals, and blocks are all within 0.1.

Powell has a higher usage rate, but Acy has a higher win share percentage. The only big difference between the two is Acy is a better defender, and can guard perimeter players better than Powell can, and would give the Mavs some more positional flexibility as a combo SF/PF that can guard both.

Acy is a little more high energy and athletic, but is shorter and has a smaller wingspan. Both are going to try to tear down the rim as much as possible this year, and they have very similar games. However they’ve been in very different systems for much of their careers.

Powell has experience in Carlisle’s flow system, and spends most of his time in the pick and roll or dunker spot. He does post up sometimes, but his post game is still developing and he gets pushed off the block a lot. He has a nice mid-range jumper, but needs to work on his consistency with it.

Acy has played for three different teams already and swings between the Small Forward and Power Forward spots. He is a small ball PF by trade, but he is undersized for the position at 6’8″. However his explosiveness and aggressiveness hides that quite well. In his

time in New York he was normally in the pinch post and dunker spot of the triangle offense. In Sacramento he scored mostly in transition and on offensive rebounds, which he grabs at a slightly higher rate than Powell. He doesn’t post up much either, but does have the ability to shoot threes at a league-average clip.

Another measurable difference between the two is aggressiveness. I’m not saying Powell isn’t aggressive, because he is, but when Acy throws down a dunk or swats someone’s shot out of bounds the whole world shakes. When Powell does it you go “yeah, good for him”. As you can see, Acy’s

mean mug is a lot better than Powell’s. Either way, two points is two points.

At the beginning of the season I see both playing relatively equal minutes as Carlisle feels out different lineups and tinkers. I see Powell getting the initial edge due to his experience with the current guards and familiarity with the system, but Acy could come on strong with a better supporting cast than he has ever had. This will be a good battle to keep an eye on.

Don’t let me make your decision for you. Take a look at the stats from Basketball-Reference.com, as well as these highlight clips.

Clearly it will be an exciting battle for the backup role behind Dirk. Dwight Powell and Quincy Acy have both come a long way in their time in the NBA and have a chance to be a key part in an exciting organization. Keep an eye on these two as the season gets closer.