The Dallas Mavericks have brought back a familiar face, signing veteran guard Spencer Dinwiddie to a one-year deal. This move marks Dinwiddie’s return to the team after his significant contribution to the Mavericks’ journey to the Western Conference finals during the 2021-22 season.
Dinwiddie, who spent last season with both the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Lakers, is remembered fondly by Mavericks fans for his impressive performance off the bench. In the 2021-22 regular season with Dallas, Dinwiddie showcased his scoring prowess, averaging 15.8 points on an efficient 49.8% shooting from the field. His sharpshooting continued into the postseason, where he averaged 14.2 points per game while hitting 41.7% of his shots from beyond the arc.
Reconnecting with Dallas
This signing comes after Dinwiddie’s journey through multiple teams. Dinwiddie was part of the trade that sent Kyrie Irving to Dallas in 2023, moving him to the Brooklyn Nets. His season, however, was marked by transitions, including a midseason trade from Brooklyn to the Toronto Raptors, where he was eventually bought out.
The Mavericks, in need of bolstering their bench depth following struggles in the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, considered several options for their final roster spot. Dinwiddie was chosen over other contenders like Dennis Smith Jr. and Talen Horton-Tucker, signaling the team’s confidence in his ability to bring experience and skill to their lineup.
Fitting in with the Young Core
The Mavericks’ roster for the upcoming season features several promising young talents including Jaden Hardy, Quentin Grimes, and Dante Exum. Dinwiddie’s veteran presence is expected to guide and enhance this young core. Sources within the organization expressed optimism about his fit: "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.”
Dinwiddie’s return also underscores the Mavericks’ strategic move to blend experienced players with their young prospects. The team is clearly banking on his ability to mentor the younger players while still contributing significantly on the court. Jaden Hardy, in particular, is emerging as a player who deserves more minutes, and having a player like Dinwiddie could be pivotal in his development.
Missed Opportunities
Interestingly, Dinwiddie almost re-joined the Mavericks at the trade deadline last season but ultimately chose to move to the Lakers instead. Despite this, his decision to return now demonstrates a mutual interest in rekindling a successful partnership with Dallas.
As the Mavericks gear up for the next NBA season, they are preparing for another run at the championship with hopes that Dinwiddie will seamlessly reintegrate into the team. His ability to contribute immediately will be critical as the Mavericks aim to improve their bench depth and overall team cohesion.
The return of Spencer Dinwiddie to Dallas echoes a narrative of unfinished business and a promising new chapter in his career. With the support and familiarity of the Mavericks environment, Dinwiddie is positioned to make a significant impact once again.