Each week, ESPNDallas.com will take a look at the Texas Legends, the D-League affiliate for the Dallas Mavericks, in order to see how the two are working hand in hand to improve one another.
Dallas Mavericks forward Dwight Powell’s potential was on display in his first showing for the Texas Legends last weekend. The 6-11 big man impressed many with his 26-pooint, 21-rebound effort in the team’s 153-131 routing of the Reno Bighorns Saturday night in Frisco.
The Mavs acquired Powell from Boston as part of the Rajon Rondo deal. Finding quality big men is always a challenge, but the Mavericks may have an opportunity to groom one.
“He’s done really good things in the D-League,” Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said of Powell. “That bodes well for his career and the future. Double figure rebounds and 20-plus points on a consistent basis is pretty strong in any league.
“I don’t see a lot of those games. I see one every once in a while. Talking to our people who do monitor that and who we trust, it’s a very good situation.”
The Mavs have somewhat of a J.J. Barea rule when it comes to players. Long before he was a Mav, Barea scored 40 points in two different games as a member of the then-Fort Worth Flyers back in 2007. The rule: stats count, no matter who the opponent is.
“They’re better than not putting up numbers,” Mavs owner Mark Cuban said. “It depends on what you’re looking for the guy to do. I still remember J.J. and what he did.
“Twenty (plus points and rebounds) in 30 minutes – that says something about his motor.”
While D-League numbers may or may not be an indicator in regards to NBA success, Powell is looking to show other things when he’s playing with the Legends.
“It’s not necessarily about the numbers, it’s more about how you play,” Powell said. “Bringing energy and showing that them that you want to play, regardless of where you are and that you’re going to compete wherever you are. I think that’s the most important thing.
“If you show that you have good habits and good principles, good things will come.”
Donnie Nelson - president of basketball operations for the Mavs and co-owner of the Legends – certainly sees the upside in Powell.
“It seems like he could have a very long career in this league,” Nelson said. “I can’t tell you he’s going to be a max-player or anything like that, but he could make a living in this league for a long period of time.
“I think his acumen for the game is definitely there. … He beats you with his brain. The kernel of his game could have some real legs, because he’s smart. Smart players get better.”
Mark your calendar
The 10-6 Legends host the Oklahoma City Blue on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Dr. Pepper Arena.
Fans will be able to watch the D-League live on the NBA D-League YouTube Channel (YouTube.com/nbadleague), the Legends’ website, as well as via the NBA D-League Center Court mobile app -- the league’s free mobile application providing fans with access to NBA D-League content.
But not least…
While the Legends have many talented players on the roster, forward Eric Griffin continues to show anyone who is willing to look that he has plenty of untapped potential. The summer league standout for the Mavs is averaging 20.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.6 blocks in Frisco this season.
Griffin has a knack for doing his damage in the paint but is showing improved development in his perimeter shot. If he continues to develop a consistent outside shot, his stock should rise rapidly.
