Ranking 15 worst Mavericks starters of the Dirk Nowitzki era

9. Dwight Powell

Powell was only a part-time starter during the Dirk Nowitzki era. The Mavs acquired the rookie second-round pick in the Rajon Rondo trade back in 2014. He jumped into the rotation in year two and got 47 starts over Dirk’s final two years with the Mavericks.

Powell had the best year of his career during Nowitzki’s final season. The 6’10 big man averaged 10.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 21.6 minutes per game. Powell was a strong roll man and lob target before an Achilles injury in 2020 sapped his athleticism. He shot 59.7 percent from the field and 77.2 percent on his free throws, so why did Powell make this list?

The center does not protect the rim, space the floor, or rebound well. Powell has a high IQ and provides energy, but it is tough to win with a center that struggles in all three areas. Dallas had just 57 victories over Dirk’s final two seasons, which includes Luka Doncic’s rookie year.

Dwight Powell is still starting years after Dirk Nowitzki retired, which is shocking. The 6’10 big man has drawn plenty of heat from Dallas Mavericks fans over the years, and his lack of rebounding, rim protection, and shooting land him firmly on this list.