3 Mavericks that could be axed from the playoff rotation

Dallas Mavericks who could be axed from playoff rotation: 2. Dwight Powell

The Mavs played small throughout their run to the conference finals last season, and head coach Jason Kidd has gone back to those looks often since the Kyrie Irving trade. If Dallas plays small, they will likely only use two big men in their nine-man rotation. Maxi Kleber’s defense and shot-making give him top billing at the five, but who gets that final spot?

Dwight Powell has been the team’s starting center for the majority of the season, but he averages just 6.8 points and 4.3 rebounds in 19.9 minutes per game. Fans know what DP offers, and his playing time dropped from 21.9 a night during the regular season last year to 13.8 in the playoffs. Powell is less effective when teams try to exploit every mismatch and attack the opposition’s weakest players.

Coach Kidd has plenty of options at the five. JaVale McGee was signed to be the team’s starting center, but he has struggled to fit into the rotation. Davis Bertans and Christian Wood can also play the five as more offensive-minded options. Will Kidd choose Powell or one of those other players?

Dwight Powell will likely stay in the starting five during the playoffs, but his spot could be the first change Dallas makes if things are not going well. It is likely Powell versus the final player for a place in the Mavs postseason rotation.