Dallas Mavericks Over/Under: Dwight Powell Playing Time
By Kohl Rast
![SAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 29: Dwight Powell #7 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots a free throw against the San Antonio Spurs on January 29, 2017 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images) SAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 29: Dwight Powell #7 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots a free throw against the San Antonio Spurs on January 29, 2017 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fthesmokingcuban-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2017-2F08-2F633056172-dallas-mavericks-v-san-antonio-spurs-jpg-850x560-ace0eaf6a15e0badbcc87350df26f548.jpg)
Over
“In my opinion, this is all about positional availability. Dirk Nowitzki does not play his normal 30+ minutes per game anymore and someone needs to pick up those minutes. Although Harrison Barnes was excellent at the 4 last year, Dallas would much prefer to be able to use him at the 3 more regularly.
The Mavs have added players like Josh McRoberts, Jonathan Motley, and Brandon Ashley that all have a lot to prove also, but aren’t nearly the physical specimen that Dwight Powell is. McRoberts definitely has a chance to take some minutes, but my guess is that Carlisle wants to keep working with the big investment that is Dwight Powell.
There is a cloud over Powell’s head and this may be his last chance to really prove himself with the Mavericks. I think it is time for him to make a big step forward and start to earn his contract. in my eyes, he is not that far off yet, he just needs to take the flashes that we have seen and make them a normal thing.
Hopefully this offseason with its many moves will help Dwight Powell understand that no one is safe unless they produce. Although the talent may not be what it could be, new bodies and a whole lot more will to win are in the arena with him now and talking is not going to do it for him. This is Powell’s year and I really believe that it will start with more playing time for the young Canadian forward.” –Kohl Rast