Will Dwight Powell crack the Mavericks rotation in 2022-23 season?

Dallas Mavericks big man Dwight Powell played in every game last season, including starting all 18 postseason contests for the team. The 6’10 center did not play massive minutes, but the team reached the conference finals. Powell’s ability to screen and do little things that don’t show up in a box score helped the Mavs.

Dallas struggled to rebound and protect the rim in the postseason, so they signed JaVale McGee in free agency and head coach Jason Kidd immediately named the seven-footer the starting center. McGee will likely take Powell’s role as Luka Doncic’s pick and roll partner and lob target, so where does that leave Powell?

McGee missed the team’s first preseason game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and everyone expected fellow newcomer Christian Wood to start at the five, but coach Kidd opened with DP. Powell rewarded the Mavs with 13 points, five rebounds, and two steals in 19 minutes, but was that enough for him to crack the regular season rotation this season?

Will Dwight Powell crack the Mavericks rotation this season?

Powell will get playing time this year. Few players go from starter on a Western Conference finalist to out of the rotation entirely overnight. Yes, the Mavs added Christian Wood and JaVale McGee, but there is still plenty of playing time for Maxi Kleber and Dwight Powell.

Powell will be a rim roller and lob target off the bench. The 31-year-old competes hard and joined the team’s leadership council this season. He is a valued piece of their locker room.

Will Powell play every night? No, the 6’10 big man will have some DNP-CDs this season, but do not be surprised to see him play more than anyone expects. The Mavs will face injuries, and they could squeeze out eight to ten minutes per game for Powell right now. McGee will not play massive minutes as the starting five, and DP’s energy and basketball IQ will help the second unit.

It will be interesting to see how much Powell plays when Luka Doncic is off the floor. The 31-year-old big man is one of the best roll men in the league, so head coach Jason Kidd preferred to pair their minutes last season. Will Powell play more when Spencer Dinwiddie is leading the offense this year? It gives Dallas a strong lob threat for the second unit.

Expect Dwight Powell to be in the rotation on most nights during the 2022-2023 season. Will he play 30 minutes per game? No, but the team will rely on the veteran to do what he does. Powell is on an expiring contract, so it will be interesting to see what the Dallas Mavericks decide to do at the trade deadline. That is something to watch as February draws closer.