6 Dallas Mavericks players who need monster second halves to save their jobs

3. Dwight Powell

Ever since the Dallas Mavericks traded for Dwight Powell during the 2014-15 season, he has been someone who plays on a nightly basis. Powell has career averages of 7.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game, but he was also thrust into a role that was never going to fit him at times.

Powell has started in 252 games for the Mavs throughout his tenure in Dallas, and that role was not a great fit for him. He has had excellent seasons like he did during the 2018-19 season when he averaged 10.6 points per game, but his playstyle and size showed that he needed to be coming off the bench, especially over the last few years.

His ability as a rim roller and his hustle were always solid, but his defense and rebounding were lacking. When Dereck Lively II was off the floor or out of the lineup, Dallas' defense plummeted. That's likely why Dallas traded for Daniel Gafford, and now Powell has become someone who doesn't play much anymore.

Powell's value to the city of Dallas stretches far beyond the basketball court, but proving his worth in his limited minutes will be essential for him. His salary is quite tradeable, and if he isn't someone Dallas can utilize at all, his job may be in jeopardy.