Dwight Powell is back in the mix for Dallas, and now the path is official. The Mavericks have re-signed the veteran center to a training camp contract, giving him a chance to fight for one of the 15 roster spots.
Powell’s presence around the team had already hinted at this outcome. Marc Stein reported that Powell was with the Mavericks this week at the Kyrie Irving-led minicamp in Los Angeles, and that the expectation was he would get a formal training camp invite even though Dallas already had a full roster with 15 standard NBA contracts.
On Friday morning, that reported expectation became reality.
“The Dallas Mavericks have re-signed center Dwight Powell, team says,” HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto wrote.
For Powell, it’s a meaningful chance to keep his run in Dallas going. But even if he does make the team out of camp, the minutes picture looks crowded.
“The long-time Maverick will have an opportunity to compete for a roster spot when the team opens training camp next week. Powell appeared in 63 games last season, starting 12, and averaged 3.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. With Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II healthy, and the additions of Santi Aldama and Morez Johnson Jr., Powell faces tough odds to earn rotation minutes if he makes the Opening Night roster,” NBC Sports’ Raphielle Johnson wrote.
Still, the Mavericks clearly see value in bringing him back into the fold. Powell has been around this group for a long time, and Dallas appears interested in having him around the younger core as the team heads into camp. If he sticks, he would be part of a center group that includes Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford.
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Dwight Powell Is Back But Dallas Has A Real Roster Question
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What makes the situation worth watching is that Powell arrives in camp without a contract slot currently attached to him, a reminder that Dallas is carrying more than just basketball decisions into October. The Mavs know what Powell has meant to the organization over the years, and his presence gives them another experienced veteran in the room, but it also leaves a real roster question hanging over how the team wants to handle the last part of its build. [Read more 🡒]
Kyrie Irvings Return Puts A New Mavericks Reality Into Focus
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For Dallas, the timing matters because Irvings return restores one of the leagues most skilled guards to a roster that has been waiting a long time to see what this version of the team can become. Irving has said he is prepared to contribute as a player and as a leader, and the Mavericks will now have to sort out how quickly he can slide back into rhythm while the seasons bigger questions keep moving around him. The health part is only the start - what comes next is how the team adapts to having him back in the picture. [Read more 🡒]