Dallas just made a move that hits different: they waived veteran forward/center Dwight Powell on Monday. This isn’t just another roster change; it signals the end of a 12-year run, making Powell by far the most tenured player on that team’s roster. This is the official end of an era for the Mavericks, especially with first-year team president Masai Ujiri clearly putting his stamp on things.
More Than Just Stats: The Glue Guy’s True Impact
You can talk stats all day, but some guys bring something completely unquantifiable to a team, and that was Dwight Powell. Masai Ujiri, the first-year team president, put it perfectly when he said, “Dwight was the consummate professional throughout his 12 seasons with the Mavericks and embodies everything you want in someone representing your organization.” Ujiri went on to praise him as a “tireless worker, an incredible teammate and someone whose impact extends well beyond the basketball court and into the Dallas community.” That tells you everything you need to know about what he meant to that organization.
Seriously, this guy was a fixture. Think about it: when he got waived, he was the third-longest-tenured player *in the entire NBA* with the same team, only behind absolute legends Steph Curry and Draymond Green. That kind of loyalty and dedication in today’s league? It’s rare. Beyond his leadership, his locker room presence and his fashion sense will absolutely be missed. And let’s be real, who else had that “innate ability to absorb blows to the face under the basket while battling for rebounds”? It was so iconic, that “Did Dwight Powell get hit in the face tonight” account on X even dropped a statement. They captured it perfectly, saying, “It’s rare you find someone ceaselessly willing to put others first and [self] last.” That’s Dwight Powell, man.
From the Court to the Record Books
Of course, Powell wasn’t just a locker room guy; he put in serious work on the court too. Over his 12 seasons with Dallas, the 6-10, 260-pound big man averaged 6.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assists across 17.3 minutes per game. Yeah, those aren’t superstar numbers, but look at where he stands in the Mavericks’ all-time record books: he ranks fourth in career field goal percentage (.606), fifth in games played (763), sixth in offensive rebounds (1,187), sixth in total rebounds (3,251), and even tenth in blocks (330). Those are serious contributions for a guy who was always willing to do the dirty work.
Last season, in 2025-26, he appeared in 63 games, starting 12, putting up 3.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 14.3 minutes. Even in the 2026 preseason, he showed up in three of their four games, averaging 1.3 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 12.1 minutes. The numbers might have dipped, but his impact and presence were always there.
So, what’s next for Powell? Who knows, but wherever he lands, they’re getting a true pro, a selfless worker, and a genuine leader. For the Mavs, this move by Masai Ujiri screams a new direction. The locker room will definitely feel different without his energy and, yeah, his fashion sense. This is a tough goodbye for a guy who truly embodied what it means to be a professional.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Mavs Moneyball.
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