The Cost of Loyalty: Why the Mavs Need to Move on from Their Veteran Center
The Dallas Mavericks franchise has gone through many phases over the last decade, but one thing has remained consistent: Dwight Powell. He logs the minutes many high-caliber players won’t touch, setting screens, diving to the ground, and sprinting on the floor like his rotation spot depends on it. In the locker room, he’s a professional and a player coaches can lean on for morale and guidance. On the court, however, the NBA does not reward loyalty. Production is king, and he has slipped beneath the weight of time and circumstance.
As the team enters a new era with big changes, the Mavs face a hard decision about keeping Powell on the roster. Should they value his veteran presence and loyalty over a younger, more versatile big man? While Powell’s energy and leadership remain steady, his rebounding shortcomings and limited defensive range have become glaring issues. Dallas must decide whether this sentiment is worth preserving in the sacrifice of progress. To be competitive in the Western Conference, the Mavs may have to sever ties with one of their most loyal players.
Powell’s story in Dallas is not one of stardom, but rather steady contributions. He helped bridge rosters from the days of Dirk Nowitzki to Luka Dončić, and now the franchise’s next chapter. He became an integral part of the rotation for the Mavs in the 2015-2016 regular season, in which he played about 15 minutes per game in 69 games. He’s a locker-room leader whose voice carries weight and whose work ethic sets an example.
Fans see Powell as a glue guy, someone who embodies grit and grind. Beyond the hardwood, Powell has been active in the Dallas community and has built genuine respect among the Mavs fanbase. His value off the court has never been in doubt. Basketball is won on the court, though, and that’s where the cracks show.
At 34 years old, he is undersized for a rim-protecting center and too limited to stretch the floor on the offense. His rebounding numbers severely lag behind the production that is needed to be valuable, averaging just over two total rebounds in 10 minutes per game last season. His presence may not be necessary with Dereck Lively II and the trade acquisition of Anthony Davis. With him, the frontcourt could be left overburdened on both sides of the floor against larger opponents.
Keeping Powell isn’t about just one player; it’s about opportunity cost. Every minute given to him is a minute not given to Lively, Moussa Cisse, or even Cooper Flagg. These players represent the future of the franchise, yet Powell’s presence keeps them from totally owning the development spotlight. Contracts matter too. Powell’s deals have often been justified by his loyalty and reliability, but they’ve limited roster flexibility. If the Mavs continue, they risk stunting the growth they are looking for.
Moving on from Powell does not mean disrespect. He deserves recognition for his loyalty and contributions to the team. Whether it’s a buyout, a smaller mentor role, or a minimum deal elsewhere, a graceful exit would allow Dallas to show their gratitude. Powell could still be valuable on other rosters, but Dallas is at a different stage. Their future lies in the development of youth and maximizing Davis’ prime, not in sentimental roster decisions.
