Dallas Mavericks: Is Dwight Powell the starting center?

Dallas Mavericks big man Dwight Powell appears to be the favorite to start at center after Coach Carlisle’s comments on Oct. 1. Read the latest here.

The Dallas Mavericks agreed to a three-year extension with Dwight Powell this summer. That was on top of him opting into his player option for this season meaning Powell will not be a free agent until 2023.

The Mavs love Powell’s work ethic. He has transformed from a second round pick to one of the best pick and roll players in the NBA. Powell scored 1.33 points per possession as a roll man which put him in the 90th percentile according to NBA Stats.

With the new contracts for both he and Maxi Kleber fans have been wondering which player will start at the five this season. Coach Carlisle was mum on the starting lineup on Media Day, but he may have tipped his hand after the team’s first practice of training camp. Listen to his comments on Dwight Powell below.

Powell starting should not be a shock to fans. After the trade for Porzingis last season, he moved into the opening five. Powell averaged 14.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 0.9 blocks in 30.9 minutes per game over his final 22 contests. He also shot 64.6 percent from the field and 78.5 percent on his free throws.

Powell will bring shooting efficiency to the unit. Expect him to thrive in his new gig starting next to Kristaps Porzingis. The Mavericks will switch the roles on either end of the floor. Powell will be the rim rolling five with KP spacing the floor on offense. That will flip with Porzingis protecting the rim and Powell roaming more on the perimeter when the Mavs are playing defense.

Fans should expect Maxi Kleber to be the first big man off the bench this season. Both players are likely to set new career-highs in minutes. The Mavericks need additional production out of them to reach their goal of making the playoffs too.

Dallas Mavericks supporters should return to The Smoking Cuban often to catch everything on Dwight Powell plus unparalleled analysis on the team.