Dallas Coach’s Corner: Scouting Spencer Dinwiddie - Mavs Reunion?
As the Dallas Mavericks explore options to solidify their roster, Spencer Dinwiddie emerges as a compelling choice. His previous stint with the Mavericks showcased his scoring ability, playmaking skills, and versatility, which aligns well with the team’s needs. Here’s a comprehensive look at how Dinwiddie’s game could benefit the Mavericks and why he could be a crucial addition.
Spencer Dinwiddie’s offensive prowess is well-documented. During his previous tenure with the Mavericks, he demonstrated an ability to create his own shot and facilitate for others. His statistical production reveals his effectiveness as a scorer and playmaker. He ranked in the 86th percentile in points per shot attempt (1.17), showcasing his efficiency in scoring. Additionally, Dinwiddie’s assist rate was in the 96th percentile, underscoring his playmaking capabilities.
One of Dinwiddie’s standout skills is his ability to navigate pick-and-roll situations. His versatility in these scenarios allows him to either score or set up teammates, making him a true dual threat. This ability would significantly benefit the Mavericks, especially given their reliance on Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving as pick-and-roll playmakers. Dinwiddie’s capacity to relieve Dallas’ dynamic duo of some playmaking duties could keep the offense flowing when either are on the bench, and potentially provide a secondary scoring punch.
Dinwiddie’s versatility is another asset that makes him a valuable fit for the Mavericks. Because of his size and length, he has played a significant amount of time at both guard positions and even some minutes as a small forward. This flexibility allows the Mavericks to deploy him in various lineups, whether as a lead guard or an off-ball contributor off the bench.
During his previous stint with Dallas, Spencer Dinwiddie frequently served as a secondary ball-handler and scorer. His proficiency in playing off the ball and hitting 38.5% of his three-point attempts last season offers valuable spacing and shooting, seamlessly complementing the playmaking of Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. This versatility allows Dinwiddie to adapt to various roles, making him an ideal fit for the Mavericks' diverse lineup needs.
While primarily known for his offense, Dinwiddie’s defensive impact shouldn’t be overlooked. During his time with the Mavericks, his on-off defensive metrics showed a positive influence, as Dallas’ defensive efficiency improved when he was on the court. His ability to guard multiple positions allows the Mavericks to be flexible with their defensive schemes and switch across various matchups. Although not a lockdown defender, Dinwiddie’s size and agility enable him to hold his own against both guards and forwards. This defensive versatility is crucial in a league full of dynamic offensive threats at every position.
Given the current state of the Mavericks' roster, bringing back Dinwiddie could be an underrated but highly beneficial move. His ability to create offense, facilitate for others, and provide defensive versatility addresses several of the Mavericks’ needs. Furthermore, his previous experience within the organization means he would require less time to adapt and could contribute immediately.
Rumors have linked Dinwiddie with a potential return to Dallas, and it’s clear why the interest is mutual. His fit within the Mavericks’ system and his ability to complement their core players make him a valuable addition. This reunion could provide the spark Dallas needs to enhance their performance and potentially achieve their goal of winning an NBA Championship.
