Spencer Dinwiddie Quickly Proving His Value for the Mavericks
Some Dallas Mavericks fans were uncertain about the team’s decision to sign Spencer Dinwiddie to a one-year contract this summer.
Dinwiddie was well-liked during his previous time with the Mavericks, but his popularity waned when he left for the Los Angeles Lakers mid-season. His comments about choosing the Lakers over Dallas also left some fans disgruntled, and despite his attempts to clarify, a few still hold a grudge.
Despite this, Dinwiddie is already demonstrating that he can fill a crucial role that the Mavericks were missing.
Dinwiddie: The Ideal Bench Guard for the Mavericks
During the 2024 NBA Playoffs, the Mavericks struggled with finding a reliable ball handler off the bench when Luka Doncic or Kyrie Irving needed rest. While Jaden Hardy showed potential, there was no consistent option for handling the ball in high-pressure moments.
Dinwiddie is already showing he can fill this void. In recent summer workouts with new teammate Klay Thompson at The Guard Whisperer runs, Dinwiddie showcased exactly why the Mavericks brought him back.
He displayed his ability to drive to the basket, hit shots from deep and mid-range, find open teammates, and score with ease. His size, standing at 6-foot-5, allows him to exploit smaller defenders, adding another layer of difficulty for opponents trying to match up with him.
While his shooting and slashing were impressive, what stood out most was his composure and control when handling the ball. Dinwiddie’s versatility makes him an ideal fit for the Mavericks’ rotation, capable of playing alongside Irving and Doncic or leading the bench unit on his own. His contributions off the bench are poised to be crucial for Dallas.
Dinwiddie’s performance in these summer runs highlighted why the Mavericks signed him, and his diverse skill set will be a significant asset to the team. Additionally, his defense, which improved during his time with the Lakers, could make this one of Dallas’ most underrated moves of the offseason.
