As the longest-tenured Maverick player, Dwight Powell has gotten the most out of his abilities.
He’s also earned a measure of respect with the way he’s grown from a second-round draft pick into being a key cog on a team that went to the Western Conference finals last season.
That’s why he was added to the three-man council that acts as the conduit between the players and the coaching staff.
It’s another nod to Powell’s perseverance and his value to the Mavericks, which has been hard-earned but continues to be proven on a regular basis.
There’s a reason why Powell was the only Maverick to play every game last season, regular season and playoffs.
That may not change this year, although Powell’s role will. With Christian Wood and JaVale McGee coming aboard, Powell isn’t expected to start like he did in 89 of the 100 games he played in 2021-22.
But you can bank on the same energy and effort as always with Powell.
That will never change.
“Dwight was our starter last year, played in all 100 games, and now is asked to come off the bench,” coach Jason Kidd said. “I think his energy and effort – he knows how to play. He’s a true pro and in the first few days (of training camp) he’s been one of the top guys in camp for us. It’s nice to have depth you can count on.”
Powell is entering his ninth NBA season and all but the first five games (when he was with Boston) have been played with the Mavericks. It’s a short list of second-round picks who have lasted as long with one team as Powell has.
And he’s ingrained himself within the Mavericks’ organization. He was on hand for CEO Cynt Marshall’s book-release event and has put in countless hours at community-service events.
Being at Marshall’s book event was especially important to Powell.
“Anyone who’s met Cynt, she’s an incredible human being and has a incredible story and I think she has a lot of things as you get to know here that you can learn from and she’s willing to share,” Powell said. “The fact she put it down in a book is great. I think a lot of people are going to get a lot out of it, especially people in the cancer fight. But that’s not all of it. It’s about a bunch of different struggles that she went through and overcame.
“She’s an amazing leader in business. But as a human being, it’s super important when go through something, if you can make it out and fight through, to share your experiences and give people hope.”
This summer, Powell was back in action with the Canadian national team, which is one of the up-and-coming powers on the international basketball scene.
The Canadians have a large contingent of NBA players and went 4-0 in their two World Cup qualifying windows this summer with Powell as a key contributor, averaging 10 points and 6.8 rebounds.
“For me, it’s always been a huge point of pride to represent my country,” Powell said. “So to get the opportunity to compete in the World Cup qualifiers, it’s huge for me to be able to put on that jersey and compete. We have guys in different situations in terms of injuries and contracts and insurance and all that, so the group kind of changes.
“But it’s always a really cool feeling to have those guys in the gym and look at where we’ve come in terms of producing NBA and high-level Europe and Division I talent in our country. So it’s a huge point of pride to be with those guys and compete with what’s on the front of the jersey.”
And it’s a country that is looking to make bigger noise on the international stage. Medaling in a major competition like the World Cup that will be played in August or at the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Can they earn a medal at some point?
“That’s the ultimate goal,” he said. “That’s why the guys have been committed for so long. The guys that are involved and stay involved. We have a ton of talent.
“Different situations are what they are and guys can’t always compete, even though they want to. Guys will show up even if they can’t play and that’s a huge sign for things to come. That’s the ultimate goal for sure.”
As for his situation this season, Powell is realistic enough to understand that the Mavericks didn’t trade a first-round pick for Wood and sign McGee to a free-agent contract for no reason. This season will be different for him.
But his rapport with Kidd and his workaholic personality is something that will always give him ample opportunity to be on the court.
“Information is important – open, honest communication – is one of the things we were very good at and that helped us be successful last season,” Powell said. “When there are gray areas and confusion, that’s when you’re not sure if you’re being successful in a role or if your role is valued.
“I think that communication level being high, open, honest and continual is something we’ve done a great job at and hopefully that continues.”
Twitter: @Esefko
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