The Dallas Mavericks have welcomed back a familiar face by signing veteran guard Spencer Dinwiddie to a one-year deal. Dinwiddie, who previously played a significant role in the Mavericks' journey to the Western Conference finals during the 2021-22 season, is set to rejoin a team that has high aspirations for the upcoming NBA season.
Dinwiddie's Return to Dallas
Dinwiddie's prior stint with the Mavericks was marked by impressive performances both during the regular season and the playoffs. He averaged 15.8 points on 49.8% shooting from the field while coming off the bench in the 2021-22 regular season. In the postseason, his contribution was equally pivotal, averaging 14.2 points and shooting an impressive 41.7% from beyond the arc. His ability to provide a scoring punch and his versatility on the court made him a key asset for Dallas during that memorable run.
A Season of Movement
The past year has been one of significant transitions for Dinwiddie. After being traded from the Mavericks to the Brooklyn Nets as part of the deal that sent Kyrie Irving to Dallas in 2023, Dinwiddie’s journey didn't stop there. He soon found himself traded midseason from the Nets to the Toronto Raptors. However, his time with the Raptors was short-lived, as he was bought out by the team.
Dinwiddie's decision to join the Mavericks over other potential suitors at this juncture in his career speaks volumes about his previous experience in Dallas. He was nearly part of the Mavericks roster once again at the trade deadline but ultimately ended up with the Lakers instead.
Fitting into the New Mavericks Roster
This time around, the Mavericks anticipate that Dinwiddie will reintegrate smoothly into their system. "Given his seamless fit on the team back then, he'll surely be an ideal fit once again in the backcourt feeding off passes from Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving," sources within the organization have stated. The Mavericks are indeed banking on Dinwiddie's familiarity with the team's playing style and his proven synergy with its star players.
The Mavericks' roster for the upcoming season blends seasoned veterans like Dinwiddie with burgeoning young talents such as Jaden Hardy, Quentin Grimes, and Dante Exum. Dinwiddie's presence is expected to bolster the team’s depth, which was a noticeable issue during their NBA Finals series against the Boston Celtics. The Mavericks struggled with bench contributions during critical moments, and Dinwiddie’s return is viewed as a crucial move to address this shortcoming.
Competition for the Final Roster Spot
In deciding to bring Dinwiddie back, the Mavericks had also considered Dennis Smith Jr. and Talen Horton-Tucker for their final roster spot. Ultimately, Dinwiddie's experience and prior success with the team swayed the decision in his favor. The hope is that his leadership and skill will complement the Mavericks' dynamic backcourt duo of Doncic and Irving.
Moreover, the team's expectations are buoyed by the promising developments of young players like Jaden Hardy, who is proving his worth and earning more minutes on the court. Hardy's growth, combined with Dinwiddie’s scoring and playmaking abilities, positions the Mavericks well for the challenges ahead.
As the Mavericks gear up for the next NBA season, all eyes will be on how effectively Dinwiddie integrates with the team. With his history of clutch performances and familiarity with the Mavericks' framework, the team is optimistic that Dinwiddie can help them make another deep playoff run.