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Dallas Mavericks Over/Under: Dwight Powell Playing Time

ByKohl 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)
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The Dallas Mavericks’ Dwight Powell (7) goes down after being fouled by the Indiana Pacers’ Paul George (13) at American Airlines Center in Dallas on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016. The Mavericks won, 111-103.(Richard W. Rodriguez/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/TNS via Getty Images)
The Dallas Mavericks’ Dwight Powell (7) goes down after being fouled by the Indiana Pacers’ Paul George (13) at American Airlines Center in Dallas on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016. The Mavericks won, 111-103.(Richard W. Rodriguez/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/TNS via Getty Images)

Under

“I have said it before, but I hope Dwight Powell proves me wrong and turns into one of the better young players on the team, but I simply don’t see it happening.

Last year, after Dallas brought in Nerlens Noel via trade, Powell saw his role drastically decrease that even resulted in multiple DNP-CD’s. Dallas tried playing Powell at the four, but found him more productive at times in the five role.

Now we look at who is getting minutes up front. Assuming Noel is back, Noel will man the starting center spot with Salah Mejri backing him up along with Dirk getting minutes at the five spot also. A Smith Jr.-Curry-Matthews-Barnes-Nowitzki lineup is a really intriguing lineup offensively.

So you ask yourself, would you rather throw spare minutes at Powell or a younger guy like Johnathan Motley or Maxi Kleber.

So with Noel, Nowitzki, Barnes, Finney-Smith and possibly a young guy, I do not believe Powell will average over 17 minutes per game.” –Isaac Harris

Next: Dallas Mavericks Reportedly Sign Maalik Wayns

Clearly there are different beliefs on how Powell will respond to the changes to the team and the need to fulfill his contract in some way this season. Either way, Dwight Powell is in for a big season and his minutes per game will be a clear indicator of what direction he is heading with the team.

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