Dallas Mavericks plan for Christian Wood to come off the bench

The Dallas Mavericks kicked off media day on Sept. 25 with head coach Jason Kidd speaking at the podium. He was asked about the role Christian Wood would play, and coach Kidd made it clear that he plans to bring the 6’10 forward off the bench.

The Mavs traded their 2022 first-round pick for Wood, but this news should come as no surprise. Kidd said JaVale McGee would start at the five back in summer league, and the Hall of Fame point guard repeated that on media day. Kidd notes that Spencer Dinwiddie and McGee would join the starting five from last year’s playoffs.

Fans will get to hear from Wood later today, but it will be interesting to see his thoughts on the role after starting the last two seasons in Houston. The 6’10 forward is in a contract year, so he is motivated to prove that his production can translate to a winning environment.

Dallas Mavericks plan for Christian Wood to come off the bench

Fans should not panic. Wood may be coming off the bench, but McGee is only expected to play around 20 minutes per game. That should leave starter’s minutes for the 6’10 forward, and the team will need his scoring and shooting.

Wood should be a fantastic fit in Dallas. He is a career 38.0 percent 3-point shooter, and the 6’10 forward averaged 19.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 1.0 block in 31.4 minutes per game over the last two seasons. Can he put up those numbers with the Mavericks?

Christian Wood will be a key piece of the Dallas Mavericks this season. Can he be their second-leading scorer after the departure of Jalen Brunson? Will he improve the team’s rebounding and be able to hold up on the defensive end of the floor? Those are all questions Wood will have to answer this season. Hopefully, he buys into his role coming off the bench, but it will be one of the many storylines to watch this season.