Kyrie Irving will make Dwight Powell's looming Mavericks exit easier to stomach

Dwight Powell's return to the Dallas Mavericks for training camp has been the biggest Mavericks news of the weekend. While Dirk Nowitzki's annual Tennis Classic at Banner House at T Bar M over the weekend certainly drew some eyes, as Steve Nash and 2011 NBA champion Peja Stojaković were in attendance, the news that Powell will be back with the team for at least training camp and preseason was at the front of Mavs fans' minds.

Dwight Powell likely won't be on the Mavericks' regular-season roster

While Powell being on the roster for training camp was certainly an initial shock, this move should be taken with a grain of salt. Dallas doesn't have room on their 15-man roster to have him on the team during the regular season, and they'd have to waive someone to bring him back.

The Mavs shouldn't consider waiving a player just to keep Powell around, as they bought out Klay Thompson earlier this summer to get to the limit of 15 players on standard deals, and it doesn't seem like Powell will be on the roster beyond training camp.

While losing Powell will be somewhat disappointing, as his leadership has been instrumental for the team over the last 10+ years, Kyrie Irving will help make his departure easier to stomach — for fans and the organization.

Powell's Mavericks journey deserves some credit

Powell's play hasn't been the highlight of his time with the Mavs. He has had some great seasons, especially in 2021-22, when he averaged 8.7 points and 4.9 rebounds per game while shooting 67.1 percent from the field and started all 18 games during their run to the Western Conference Finals, but he will be remembered most for his leadership.

He has been one of the team's biggest leaders for years, and he never faltered in this role — even as his playing time steadily declined. Not having the player who has played the fifth-most games in franchise history on the sidelines will certainly be an adjustment next season (assuming Powell doesn't sign a standard contract with Dallas after the preseason), but Irving is an outstanding leader as well.

Kyrie Irving will pick up where Powell left off as a leader

Kyrie has completely remodeled his image since joining the Mavericks in 2023, and he has become one of the most beloved Mavs of this era. The drama that followed him in Brooklyn and Boston has been nowhere to be found, and he has been one of Dallas' most prominent leaders.

He was the voice of reason following the Luka Doncic trade, as he gave Doncic credit where credit was due, but also remained grounded as one of the team's leaders when chaos ensued around him.

Irving didn't play at all last season as he recovered from a torn ACL, but he was still around the team often. He was a huge mentor for Brandon Williams during the best season of his career and was frequently on the sidelines during games. Cooper Flagg also credited Irving for helping him during his rookie year, and the Mavericks will not be short of veteran leaders despite Powell's departure seeming inevitable.

Irving is the one who set up Dallas' minicamp in Los Angeles last week, a clear sign of his leadership and the togetherness that he is looking to foster within the team, and Mavs fans have nothing to worry about. Powell's leadership and team-first attitude will never be forgotten, and if he doesn't return, Irving will be able to lead his teammates in the right direction.

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