Dallas Mavericks: Dwight Powell talks rehab and more on Instagram Live

Dallas Mavericks big man Dwight Powell went live on FIBA’s Instagram to discuss his rehab, playing for Team Canada, and so much more.

The Dallas Mavericks suffered a devastating blow on Jan. 21. Starting center Dwight Powell made a move towards the basket in the first quarter with the Mavs down one. He quickly fell to the floor without being touched. Immediately, that bad feeling developed in the pit of everyone’s stomach inside the American Airlines Center and watching home. It was not going to be good.

The Mavericks quickly determined it was a torn Achilles and surgery followed. It put an abrupt end to a promising season by Powell. It left Dallas searching for a starting center. Powell is a leader and one of the most active Mavericks in the community too. It was a massive loss.

The NBA has suspended play because of the novel coronavirus. Everyone is at home waiting for basketball to return. It was opened up a bit of free time for more player interviews. Powell took advantage of that on May 19.

Dwight Powell went for a live interview on FIBA’s Instagram. Fans can listen to the entire conversation here. Let us take a look at a few highlights.

Powell on his recovery

The interview began with Powell discussing his recovery. He progressed out of the boot and is still hopeful to return for the start of the 2020-2021 season. Powell continues to rehab at home during the pandemic. He talked about breaking up his exercises throughout the day.

Powell also had this to say about what he believes his opening basket after returning will look like.

"“Ideally, I’ve talked to J.J. Barea about it… J.J., I want my first basket to be an alley-oop from you because when he went down with his Achilles it broke all of your hearts. Especially mine because that is one of my close friends and teammates. He brought so much to us on and off the court, so when he went down it was like man. So, to see him build himself back at that stage in his career and fight through this injury, I was wow this guy really is an impressive human being. And then once I tore mine and had to see exactly what it is he had to do, I was even more impressed. It would be a really cool moment for both of us if that was my first basket.”"

It would be an amazing moment for Mavericks fans. Barea worked extremely hard to come back for his Achilles tear. Powell is now doing the same. It would be a fantastic story for those two to share that moment.

On the NBA returning

DP also talked about the NBA returning to play. He is part of the league’s player committee. Powell discussed the challenges of the season picking back up. He reiterated that the players want to get back on the court, but safety is important.

On playing for Canada

Powell stated his intention to represent Canada in the Olympic qualifier as long as he is healthy and able next summer. He takes great pride in playing for his country and is excited about the opportunity.

He also talks about music, shoes, and so much more in the interview. Dallas Mavericks fans should check it out if they haven’t already.

Dwight Powell and the Dallas Mavericks are hungry to be back on the court. Fans cannot wait too. Hopefully, it happens soon. Stay tuned for updates.