Key reason the Mavericks signed Spencer Dinwiddie was overlooked until now

The Dallas Mavericks started the week with their first preseason game of the year on Monday night. This was a huge benefit, as the team got to analyze new and returning players. One player who sent waves through Mavs nation was Jaden Hardy. The young guard recorded 21 points, eight assists, and three steals in the team's first game against the Memphis Grizzlies. He must continue proving his worth, as Dallas already has a crowded backcourt with Quentin Grimes, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Klay Thompson.

Another player who had a solid outing was Dereck Lively II. The former rookie recorded 12 points, three rebounds, and two steals. His progression has skyrocketed, as he continues to showcase new skills. Lively II demonstrated a new trick Monday when he performed a spin move to attack the basket after pushing the ball in transition. His progression will be an X-factor for the team.

However, not everything was sunshine and rainbows. This week, the Mavs received horrible news when it was announced that Dante Exum would be out for three months following wrist surgery. This comes as a huge blow. Last season, Exum was an excellent defender who wasn't afraid to let it fly from downtown and could lead the second unit when Dallas' stars were on the bench.

Dinwiddie's return solves the Mavericks' depth worries in the backcourt

Exum's injury though gives players like Dinwiddie a chance to step up. Dallas signed Dinwiddie in the offseason, as they were looking for an extra ball handler. It wasn't too long ago he played a key role in helping alleviate the pressure from Luka Doncic. It was Dinwiddie's offensive skills that helped Dallas advance to the Western Conference Finals in 2022. There are many forgotten reasons why the Mavs brought back Dinwiddie, with one of the biggest being the fact that he can be a spot starter and adds tons of depth to this roster.

Without signing Dinwiddie, the Mavs' depth would have been paper-thin following this Exum injury. Now it's a strength.

Dallas also took another chance on Dinwiddie as he adds experience and familiarity. He is a 10-year veteran guard who averages 13.3 points per game for his career. Last season, he shot 38.9 percent from the 3-point line during his short stint with the Los Angeles Lakers.

While his offensive numbers took a dip with the Lakers, his defensive attributes leaped. During his time with the Lakers, Dinwiddie played much better defense. Dinwiddie played more of a 3-and-D role in Los Angeles, and Dallas will need his sound defense to continue this season.

One of the biggest reasons for bringing Dinwiddie back was likely his connection with the team and familiarity with Jason Kidd's system. Dinwiddie can make things easier for Doncic and Kyrie Irving, as he is great on and off the ball. He does a great job of spacing the floor and is an excellent leader. In simple terms, he helps Doncic in many ways.

Having Dinwiddie on the roster also eases the pain of losing Exum. He too can shoot the ball well from long range and play solid defense.

If he can revert to his old ways from two seasons ago, it is no doubt the Mavs could become unstoppable. Now, all that's missing is his connection with the new Mavs players.

This is something he has been working on leading up to this season, as Dinwiddie threw a vicious alley-oop to Lively II on Monday. His ability to create opportunities for his teammates could be the perfect recipe for success, and his lob passing will be a key factor in his playmaking success.

Mavs fans should rejoice as the Dinwiddie show is back.