Dallas Mavericks rumors: Christian Wood agrees with McGee

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Christian Wood

Early in the NBA season, the Dallas Mavericks addressed one of last season’s big shortcomings when they acquired big players and bolstered the front yard, with Christian Wood entering via trade from Houston and Gavel McGee agreeing to a three-year contract in free agency.

Despite this, the question was immediately raised: aren’t these two centers both, and can they fit together?

Certainly, in his two years with the Rockets, Wood was a pure center, playing 100% of his possessions in that position during the two years, According to Basketball-Reference.com. McGee has never been anything but center, playing this position for what he stands for 100% of his property Throughout his 14-year career.

That might spark some controversy about the Mavericks. But the team intends, at least to open the year, to start McGee in position along with Wood in a powerhouse forward position, a position he has played at long stretches in the past. That makes sense to some extent, given that Wood has such a stretch that he can fire shots to the 3-point streak, having made 39.0% last year and 38.0% arc in his career.

A traditional edge-running center, McGee is effective at grabbing rebound opportunities and finishing high passes in the middle. According to ESPN’s Tim McMahon, Wood is “wide open” to the idea of ​​a power forward play with McGee starting at the center.

Dwight Powell’s future is uncertain

While the team appears to have addressed the issue midway through, there are still some other gaps that need filling, and a list of points to address. One such location belongs to Center Dwight Powell, a permanent resident of the Mavericks rumor mill, yet somehow managing to stay with the team for eight seasons.

Powell, the longest-serving Maverick, played all 82 games last season, averaged 8.7 points and 4.9 rebounds in 21.9 minutes, and was first in all 18 Dallas games. Powell has one year and $11 million in his contract, making him an attractive business piece , but it is unclear whether the Mavs will be looking to move him or keep him as the third big man.

Powell struggled early in the year but played better as the season went on and in the playoffs, he was Plus – 8.7 points for every 100 possessions in its on/off numbers.

Signature draw is still pending

While the team expects Spencer Dinwiddy to fill the void that will be left with Jalen Bronson’s absence, the depth in reserve point numbers should be filled by the team bringing back Theo Benson, who the Maves hope will develop into a rotation player, as well as Luka Doncic’s longtime mentor, Goran Dragic. .

So far, Dragic has not been signed by the Mavericks but throughout the league, he is considered a done deal.

The Mavericks can still use some extra kicks off the bench, and Cavaliers guard Colin Sexton has been mentioned as a potential addition. The team has also been linked to Sixers winger Matisse Thybulle for defensive purposes, but more attacking remains on the list.