Dallas Mavericks rumors: JaVale McGee to rest: Dwight Powell to start vs. Thunder

The Dallas Mavericks signed JaVale McGee in the offseason to solve their rebounding and rim protection woes that were clear in the playoffs. Dallas still reached the conference finals, but they wanted a big man that can dominate the paint. McGee was one of the best rim protectors and roll men in the NBA last season in his limited role.

The seven-footer has struggled out of the gate in his second stint with the Mavs. His defensive rebounding numbers are way down, and opposing teams have scored at will in the paint with McGee on the floor. He has only played 12.8 minutes per game in part because of his struggles on both ends of the floor.

The Mavericks begin their first back-to-back of the season on Saturday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the team is considering resting McGee, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. The scribe notes the team would start Dwight Powell and the team would leave Christian Wood in his sixth-man role. Here is a look at why.

Dallas Mavericks rumors: JaVale McGee to rest: Dwight Powell to start vs. Thunder

Head coach Jason Kidd likes to start the game with a big lineup that features a traditional roll man for superstar Luka Doncic. Dwight Powell played in all 100 Mavericks games last season, and he started 89, including all 18 postseason games, but he has played just seven minutes so far this season after the additions of McGee and Christian Wood.

The Mavericks want to give the 34-year-old a day to rest and clear his head on the first night of a back-to-back set. Dallas believes in Powell, and he should fill in well for McGee after head coach Jason Kidd confirmed the team would rest the seven-footer on Oct. 29.

This is not a rotation change. JaVale McGee will rest on Saturday night, and Dwight Powell will fill his role. Expect McGee to be back in the lineup on Sunday as the Dallas Mavericks host the Orlando Magic, and hopefully, the day off gets the veteran big man back on track. Be sure to tune in and enjoy the show.