Dallas Mavericks forward/center Dwight Powell (7) poses for a photo during the Mavericks media day at American Airlines Center.
Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Dallas Mavericks have gone through some major changes in the past few seasons, but veteran center Dwight Powell thinks there is something special about this team’s current group. Having witnessed several different eras of Mavericks basketball, Powell says the biggest difference this season is the players’ willingness to work, communicate, and accept change.
With several eras of Mavericks basketball behind him, Powell offered his thoughts on what makes this roster different when I spoke with him for Fadeaway World during the team’s media day availability in Macao at the NBA China Games 2026.
“A willingness to work. I think we got a bunch of new faces. We’ve had a lot of change as of late. I think everybody’s embracing it. I think sometimes it can be difficult to manage change, but I don’t think it’s something you can avoid.”
“And I think this group has done a great job of facing it head-on, understanding we need to communicate with each other in terms of what we need and where we want to improve.”
Powell’s perspective does carry a lot of weight because few players understand the Mavericks organization better than he does. The 35-year-old center came to Dallas in December 2014 as part of the trade that sent Rajon Rondo from the Boston Celtics to the Mavericks.
What initially was a minor addition eventually turned into one of the longest tenures in franchise history.
Over the years, Powell has experienced almost every stage of the Mavericks’ development. He played alongside Dirk Nowitzki during the final years of the German legend’s career, witnessed the arrival of Luka Doncic, and developed chemistry with players like Kristaps Porzingis and Jalen Brunson.
Powell was also a big part of the Mavericks’ run to the 2022 Western Conference Finals, serving as a regular starter next to Doncic and Brunson. Two years later, he remained with the team as the Mavericks reached the 2024 NBA Finals.
And now the franchise is going into a new chapter with Kyrie Irving providing veteran leadership and Cooper Flagg emerging as the new franchise centerpiece.
For Powell, adapting to different teammates, playing styles, and expectations has become a familiar part of his NBA journey.
His value to Dallas now extends beyond his production on the court. As one of the team’s longest-serving players, Powell provides continuity and leadership for a roster that has several young players who are yet to establish themselves in the league.
The Mavericks demonstrated how much they value that presence by bringing him back ahead of training camp. Powell signed a one-year, $3.88 million contract for the 2026-27 season, with a million dollars guaranteed.
The agreement gives the Mavericks an experienced veteran who understands the organization, as they also maintain financial flexibility.
Although Powell’s role has changed a lot since his early years with the Mavericks, his commitment to the franchise has remained rather consistent. He has gone from a young developmental player to a dependable starter and eventually a respected veteran figure.
With Flagg, Irving, and several new faces leading the Mavericks into the 2026-27 season, the team will need time to establish its identity. But Powell thinks the foundation is already set.
His comments suggest that what excites him the most isn’t just the talent on this roster. It’s the collective attitude toward improvement, the willingness to communicate, and the determination to embrace change rather than resist it.
After more than a decade of experiencing the Mavericks’ highs and lows, Powell knows that talent alone does not guarantee success.
For this group, he thinks the willingness to put in the work could make all the difference in the world.