Dwight Powell’s career touches all corners of recent Maverick history. Traded with Rajon Rando to Dallas in December 2014, Dwight Powell's staying power is the stuff of legends. He has shared the court with Charlie Villanueva and Brandon Williams...with Chandler Parsons and Kai Jones...with Dirk and Luka.
If there is one case of a post-playing career tell-all book I’d love to read, it is the one Dwight Powell could write. However, Powell epitomizes the classy veteran who could author a juicy banger but never will. There is a reason this player has lasted and lasted over the years. Never flung into a last-minute trade to make salaries match, never cut for a flashy player that might help the team. The locker room gravity is immense and positive.
Season in review
This year’s Mavericks faced immense challenges this season and never gave up. While Jason Kidd should get credit for this, it is also veterans like Powell, who have grown up in the league from end-of-the-bench youngster to inevitable starter back to end-of-the-bench grizzled vet, who can keep a locker room together every bit as much as the coach.
The injury plague did not spare Powell. A mid-January right hip strain sidelined Mavs veteran for an extended run. Of course, the obligatory hit-Powell-in-face moment this year came from friendly fire as Kessler Edwards left Powell bloody in March.
Best game
One of the many games that saw Kessler Edwards start at Center for the Mavericks, the March 10th contest in San Antonio forced the Mavs face the Spurs with only 8 healthy players. Powell played a solid 21 minutes off the bench with 9 points, 6 boards, 3 dimes, and a block.
Contract status
Powell is easily the longest-tenured Dallas Maverick, a distinction that gives him more time with the franchise than the General Manager, Head Coach, Training Staff, and any other player on the roster. His player option for 2025-2026 represents the final year of a 3 year, 12 million pact he signed in the summer of 2023 and will almost certainly be picked up, barring a surprising retirement decision. At 33 years old, Powell is unlikely to call it a career before finishing this deal.
Looking ahead
The Mavericks are almost certain to introduce Dwight Powell on Opening Night as part of the 2025-2026 squad. As long as it is the deep reserve role he is best suited for, he will continue to be the sort of player you want on the bench as a last option big man. Always ready, great teammate, and drama-free.
Grade: C