The Dallas Mavericks have bolstered their backcourt by signing veteran guard Spencer Dinwiddie to a one-year deal. This move marks a homecoming for Dinwiddie, who previously played a critical role in helping the Mavericks reach the Western Conference finals during the 2021-22 season.
During his previous stint in Dallas, Dinwiddie proved to be an invaluable asset. Coming off the bench, he averaged 15.8 points per game while shooting an impressive 49.8% from the field during the regular season. His contributions were equally significant in the postseason, where he maintained an average of 14.2 points and exhibited his sharpshooting ability with a 41.7% success rate from beyond the arc. This previous success with the team underscores the expectations for Dinwiddie’s potential impact in the upcoming season.
Dinwiddie’s journey since his first departure from Dallas has been a whirlwind. After being traded to the Brooklyn Nets as part of the deal that brought Kyrie Irving to the Mavericks in 2023, Dinwiddie found himself moving again midseason to the Toronto Raptors. However, his time with the Raptors was short-lived as he was bought out by the team.
Despite the turbulent season, which also saw him split last year between the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Lakers, Dinwiddie’s prowess on the court remained evident. Near the trade deadline, there was speculation around Dinwiddie rejoining the Mavericks, but he ultimately chose the Lakers. This recent return to Dallas marks a significant opportunity for Dinwiddie to reestablish himself in a familiar environment.
The Mavericks had their options open for the final roster spot, considering players like Dennis Smith Jr. and Talen Horton-Tucker. However, Dinwiddie’s previous tenure and seamless fit with the team tilted the decision in his favor. Sources within the organization indicate confidence in his integration, citing his ability to feed off passes from prominent guards like Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. “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,” insiders noted.
Dinwiddie’s return comes at a critical time for the Mavericks, who struggled with bench depth in their recent NBA Finals matchup against the Boston Celtics. The addition of a seasoned player like Dinwiddie could provide the team with much-needed experience and scoring ability off the bench, thereby strengthening their overall roster depth.
As the Mavericks prepare for the new NBA season, the mix of seasoned players and young talents offers a promising outlook. Rising stars like Jaden Hardy are showcasing their capabilities, warranting more playing time and contributing to a competitive atmosphere in the team. Alongside Dinwiddie, the team’s roster features players like Quentin Grimes and Dante Exum, who are poised to make significant contributions.
With high hopes for the upcoming season, the Mavericks are banking on Dinwiddie’s proven track record and versatility to blend seamlessly with the squad. The team’s preparation is centered around leveraging Dinwiddie’s skills to complement their dynamic guard duo of Doncic and Irving, aiming to replicate and surpass their previous postseason successes.