In the wake of a season-ending injury for the Dallas Mavericks, the Mavericks are on the lookout for Dwight Powell replacements in the frontcourt. Sitting at 27-16 and fifth in the Western Conference, the Mavericks will look to continue their playoff push deep into the season. We take a look at possible replacements to help out Luka Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis, and others.
Dwight Powell Replacements
1. Maxi Kleber and Boban Marjanovic
The Mavericks already have capable replacements to fill the void for their starting center spot. Porzingis can slide into the center spot while both Maxi Kleber and Boban Marjanovic can be paired alongside him. Dorian Finney-Smith has also played power forward minutes when the Mavericks go with their small-ball lineups. Dwight Powell replacements are not required, but the Mavericks wouldn’t say no to an extra big man.
However, there is a reason why the Mavericks are in the market for another center as they need someone to match Powell’s scoring, production, and energy every night. The Mavericks are able to run with other teams and defend pick-and-rolls with Powell when matched. It is reported that the Mavericks are looking for a big man who can score to lessen the scoring load on their superstars.
The Dallas Mavericks are telling teams they want a player with size who can score 15+, per @WindhorstESPN
(? ESPN / The Jump) pic.twitter.com/sKDlgeTXUf
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) January 22, 2020
2. Joakim Noah
Tim MacMahon of ESPN reported that the Mavericks has gauged the interest of Joakim Noah to fill their spot at center. Noah averaged 7.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists on 51% field goal shooting for the Memphis Grizzlies last year. He has shown recently that he has added a mid-range jumper to his game in 42 games last year.
Noah would be a good addition to the Mavericks roster who needs veteran presence and big-man production. He would be a great cheap option off the free-agent market for the Mavericks.
Sources: The Mavs have touched base with Joakim Noah as they search for center depth in the wake of Dwight Powell’s season-ending injury. Dallas has concerns about Noah’s health and is considering several other options, including G League and overseas players.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) January 22, 2020
3. Andre Drummond
The superstar big man has been on the trading block for the Detroit Pistons for a while now according to Yahoo! Sports. The Pistons are currently sellers on the market as they are looking into the future—in need of draft picks and young assets. The All-Star will be an unrestricted free agent next summer and the Pistons would like to gain back as much value as they can from his potential departure. Drummond is a bonafide scorer, rebounder, and can protect the paint for any team he plays on.
The question now though for the Mavericks is how much assets are they willing to give for a potential half-year rental. They already have Porzingis in their frontcourt and have solid pieces in the rotation to help the team. It will only be up to the front office if they are willing to trade their assets or picks for a playoff run this year.
4. Dewayne Dedmon
Dewayne Dedmon could be a realistic option for the Mavericks to target ahead of the trade deadline. The Sacramento Kings have opened expressed that Dedmon is open for trade after being out of the rotation in a crowded Kings frontcourt. Marvin Bagley III, Richaun Holmes, Nemanja Bjelica are all ahead of the big man the Kings paid $40 million for three years. Dedmon had a decent year last season with the Atlanta Hawks posting 10.8 points and 7.5 rebounds a game. Dedmon has some similarities in his game which can match Powell’s production as shown by this graphic:
(L) Shows Dewayne Dedmon’s shot chart from 2018-20 since he does not get to play much for the Kings
(R) Shows Dwight Powell’s shot chart this season
Potential trade target? ?@MavsGG @MavsTracker @MavsNationCP
cc. https://t.co/VCraGpisDi pic.twitter.com/72Zpm6YbAC
— Kyle Reiner Pineda ?? (@kahyleee) January 23, 2020
Dedmon has been a late bloomer coming from the San Antonio Spurs. He has recently developed a serviceable outside game—scoring from the wings mostly. Doncic will still be able to utilize the pick-and-roll with Dedmon as he is capable of finishing in the paint with 1.37 points per shot attempt. Dedmon will be a flexible option for the Mavericks as the Kings may sell him low or even buy him out if needed.
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