Mavericks’ Dwight Powell training-camp invite is the least they could do for him

While it's extremely unlikely Dwight Powell makes the Dallas Mavericks' 15-man roster ahead of the start of the regular season, Powell has been formally invited to training camp by the Mavericks, and this was undoubtedly the right move by the organization.

Powell has played in 763 games (fifth most in franchise history) with the Mavericks through 12 seasons in the league, and while he's certainly not one of the best players in franchise history, he's one of the truest professionals as well as one of the most beloved individuals who has ever worn a Mavericks uniform.

Mavericks owe it to Powell to let him compete for a roster spot

Having turned 35 years old this summer, it's clear Powell's best days are behind him. Being a lob-catching big man who was a great rebounder and hustler during his prime, Powell is the type of player whose game tends to fizzle out faster in the NBA. He's slowly declined ever since he tore his Achilles tendon in 2020, and he's now gotten to the point in his career where he wouldn't even have a role on the Mavericks if he were on their 15-man roster.

All that being said, the Mavericks owe it to Powell to let him compete for a roster spot if that's what he wants. Many players in Powell's position would've already called it quits or gone overseas by this point in their careers, as his role has been minimal on the Mavericks over the past three seasons. Powell wanted to stick it out with the team that took a chance on him back in 2014, though, and has been an invaluable mentor and locker room leader for young players.

Powell has been loyal to the Mavericks through three eras

Powell has also stuck in Dallas through thick and thin, which is extremely commendable given the fact that he's a role player. He's technically on his third front office and head coach as he enters this training camp, and he's been along for the ride through the Dirk Nowitzki era, the Luka Doncic era, and now the Cooper Flagg era.

There was a point in time when Mavericks fans wanted an upgrade over Powell for their starting center position, as he has never been a good rim protector. However, that's no longer a concern whatsoever, and many Mavericks fans love Powell for all the work he's done in the community, as well as his unwavering loyalty to the organization.

Powell likely won't make the team, but Dallas is giving him a chance

It's rare for star players to stick with one team for as long as Powell has, and he's a role player. Powell undoubtedly deserves to finish out his NBA career in a Mavericks uniform if that's what he wants, as he clearly still wants to play professional basketball, even if that ultimately isn't in Dallas anymore.

It's very unlikely he'd get another opportunity with another team should Dallas cut him after training camp, but at least he's getting one last opportunity to try and prove he still belongs in the league to the Mavericks and the rest of the NBA.

The Mavericks shouldn't break their back to add Powell to this roster unless he has a stellar camp, as they already have four better centers ahead of him as well as a loaded frontcourt, but Dallas owes it to him to give him a puncher's chance for a spot since he wants it.

It was the least they could do.

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