May’s praise keeps Powell in Mavericks’ crowded roster discussion

Dwight Powell’s work in Macao gave Dusty May a reason to keep looking at the veteran center as Dallas weighs its opening roster. Asked why Powell received most of the backup-center minutes in Sunday’s game against Houston, the Mavericks coach pointed to his ability to connect players and keep the group organized.

The Athletic’s Christian Clark posted May’s assessment after the game. Powell’s role was more than finishing a possession: May described a veteran who gave the younger second unit another outlet and helped it create good looks.

The praise arrives with a roster choice still ahead. Dallas announced Powell’s signing on September 25, bringing its training-camp roster to 19 players. The official release did not disclose contract terms. It also placed Powell fifth in franchise history in games played, with 763 appearances for the Mavericks.

Dallas already has 15 standard contracts, according to the October 12 ClutchPoints report. Keeping Powell would require the club to make room, a decision made more difficult by the center’s useful preseason work.

No subsequent roster move is announced in the reviewed team material. May’s praise supplies a reason to consider Powell, rather than confirmation that Dallas has reserved a spot for him.

May’s comments establish the basketball reason for the discussion. Powell helps a young group operate together, and the coach was comfortable with how it played when he was on the floor. The front office still has to turn that assessment into a roster decision.

Sources

Powell signing announcement · ClutchPoints: Powell and Dallas’ roster options