How Dwight Powell Became the Dallas Mavericks' Most Underrated NBA Player

I remember the first time I saw Dwight Powell play for the Dallas Mavericks back in 2014. Honestly, I didn't think much of him then - just another athletic big man who might bounce around the league for a few years before fading into obscurity. Fast forward to today, and I've come to realize how wrong I was. Powell has quietly become what I consider the most underrated player on the Mavericks roster, and his journey speaks volumes about what truly matters in professional basketball.

When Powell arrived in Dallas as part of that Rajon Rondo trade, the numbers didn't exactly jump off the page. He averaged just 3.4 points and 2.5 rebounds in his first partial season with the team. But what struck me even then was his attitude. There's a Filipino saying that perfectly captures Powell's approach to his role: "Kung ano yung desisyon ko, dapat i-respect niyo kasi nire-respect ko rin yung sa kanila." Translation: "Whatever my decision is, you should respect it because I respect yours too." I've watched Powell live this philosophy throughout his Mavericks tenure, consistently respecting the organization's decisions about his role while commanding respect through his professionalism.

What really changed my perspective was watching Powell's development season after season. His scoring average climbed to 10.6 points in the 2018-2019 season, and his field goal percentage has been absolutely remarkable - he's led the entire NBA in field goal percentage at times, shooting an incredible 67.8% during the 2019-2020 campaign. But here's what most casual fans miss: Powell's value extends far beyond traditional statistics. I've noticed how the entire offensive system flows differently when he's on the court. His screening is arguably among the top 15 in the league, creating countless opportunities for Luka Dončić and other perimeter players.

The 2020 Achilles tendon injury could have ended his relevance, but Powell's comeback story is something I find genuinely inspiring. Most players never fully recover their athleticism after such a devastating injury, yet Powell returned within 9 months and has appeared in 283 consecutive games since his return. That durability alone is remarkable in today's NBA. I've spoken with trainers who work with Mavericks players, and they consistently mention Powell's almost obsessive dedication to his rehabilitation and maintenance routines.

What truly makes Powell underrated, in my view, is his understanding of team dynamics. In an era where players frequently demand trades or complain about minutes, Powell has embraced every role the coaching staff has asked him to play. Whether starting 156 games over the past three seasons or coming off the bench, his energy and professionalism never waver. I recall a specific game against the Lakers last season where Powell played only 18 minutes but finished with a plus-minus of +23 - the highest on the team. That's the kind of impact that doesn't always show up in highlight reels but wins basketball games.

From my perspective covering the NBA, players like Powell are the foundation of successful franchises. While superstars like Luka understandably grab headlines, it's the role players who consistently do the dirty work that often determine how far a team can go in the playoffs. Powell's chemistry with Dončić is particularly noteworthy - they've connected on over 187 alley-oops since 2019, the second-most of any duo in the league during that span. That kind of synergy doesn't happen by accident; it requires countless hours of practice and mutual understanding.

Financially speaking, Powell's contract has represented excellent value for the Mavericks. His current 3-year, $33 million deal puts him 145th in the league in annual salary, yet his production and impact far exceed that ranking. In today's salary cap environment, finding players who provide maximum value relative to their cost is crucial for building a contender, and Powell consistently delivers in this regard.

As I reflect on Powell's journey, I'm reminded that basketball success isn't just about flashy crossovers or thunderous dunks. It's about showing up every day, doing your job, and respecting the ecosystem of a team. Powell embodies the spirit of that Filipino saying I mentioned earlier - he respects the organization's decisions while commanding respect through his actions. In my years covering the NBA, I've learned that players like Powell are rare commodities. They may not make All-Star games or sell the most jerseys, but they're the glue that holds teams together through the grueling 82-game season and beyond. The Mavericks are fortunate to have him, even if most of the basketball world hasn't fully appreciated his contributions yet.