Mavericks have quietly parted ways with one of their elite 3-and-D wings

Last season, the Dallas Mavericks went through an abundance of big men and forwards. Numerous players, such as Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II, suffered various injuries that forced them to sit out for extended periods. It was a dilemma that brought in new faces to help solve the problem. Some players, like Kessler Edwards, saw an increase in minutes to help ease the injury bug, and he played much more than anyone could've expected.

Edwards struggled to find playing time during the first three months of the season. He saw less than two minutes per game from October to December, as fans questioned if the team's top two-way signing would ever make an impact. His minutes increased after January, as this led to a surge in production. Edwards' on-court presence allowed him to make a name for himself and prove he was more than just a bench player.

His physicality helped him become a fan favorite, as fans loved seeing him in the lineup. However, Edwards' time was cut on March 25 after he used up all 50 games of his contract. So, fans never got to say goodbye since he didn't play in either of the team's two play-in games, and it looks like they never will. Recently, Edwards signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Denver Nuggets, and the Mavs didn't even give him a shot to return.

Kessler Edwards' departure leaves Mavs with defense hole

So, with Edwards gone, the Dallas Mavericks will have a huge defensive hole to fill. Edwards, in his one season with Dallas, was a menace inside. He could do a variety of things, from attacking the paint to posting up scorers down low. His long wingspan and quick feet made it difficult for opponents to score.

Edwards appeared in 40 games and started in 18 matches for Dallas. He averaged 4.2 points per game and 2.9 rebounds in 15.2 minutes per game. Most of his production wasn't seen on the stat sheet. As mentioned, he was a hustler who wasn't afraid to fight for loose boards and second chances. This is what helped fans fall in love with him.

Plus, Edwards was a two-way player who rotated between multiple positions. He is labeled a 6-foot-7 forward, but can switch between the power forward and center spot. This is what separated him from other players. Dallas doesn't have many players who can rotate between spots. Davis is the exception, but he has made it clear he only wants to play at the four spot.

Not to mention, losing Edwards hurts the Mavs' depth. For example, Dwight Powell will be the team's third center option behind Lively II and Daniel Gafford. This is assuming Dallas doesn't bring in another big man. Yet, assuming things stay the same, then Powell is the guy, and this is something fans may not like.

Edwards is a step up from Powell. He has the intangibles to become a primary backup and lead a starting lineup for a limited time. Last season, Edwards helped Dallas fill the void whenever other players were out. Not to mention, coach Jason Kidd showed more trust in him than in Powell. Edwards averaged 15.2 minutes per game last season, while Powell averaged 10.

If anything, Edwards would be a valuable third option behind Lively II and Gafford. So, it hurts fans to see that he won't be coming back. Plus, with Kai Jones most likely not returning, it puts the Mavs in an uncomfortable spot.

Basically, the team will need a third center or a dual player to fill Edwards' void. As mentioned, Jones is still a viable option. However, it seems the team may be staying put, although they still need to make room for the Dante Exum signing. So, Dallas' third team may need some work, and with Edwards gone, there are roster adjustments to be made.