Dallas Mavericks: Center Production Isn’t Something To Worry About

The center position was one of the biggest concerns for the Dallas Mavericks at the beginning of the season, but now it is one of their greatest strengths.

It was the talk of the NBA free agency period for Dallas Mavericks fans and NBA fans alike. DeAndre Jordan, one of the most electrifying players in the league, had originally picked Dallas as his new home but had a last minute change of heart and returned to Los Angeles.

The whole issue set up a great situation for a Clippers team that was ready to contend, and ruined a Mavs team that was desperately searching for another star player.

In order to counter the move as best as possible, the Mavs traded for Zaza Pachulia of the Milwaukee Bucks just a day after. A little over a month after that, they completed their group of centers by bringing in JaVale McGee, who had been waived by the Philadelphia 76ers back in March.

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These moves opened up a hole for second-year player Dwight Powell, who had come over to Dallas in the Rajon Rondo trade.

There was a lot of criticism directed towards these moves because of the question marks that came with each player. First, it was unclear if Pachulia could replace Tyson Chandler, who can drop a double-double on any given night. Next, McGee had only played 28 games over the past two seasons, with minimum production.

Lastly, Powell had showed signs in 2014-15 but definitely did not look like a player ready to take on a bigger role.

Through the first month of play, Pachulia has erased all doubts in his game and is looking like arguably one of the most solid and consistent centers in the Western Conference. He averages a double-double with 10.2 points and 10.8 rebounds per game and is fourth in the league with 15 double-doubles.

His ability to play tough and pass the ball effectively gives him an edge over other centers that he is matched up with.

McGee did not make his season debut until Nov. 22, and has only played in seven games since, but has had some promising outings, such as putting up 10 points, five rebounds and three blocks against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Powell is a nice young player for the Mavs to develop in the next few years. He has showed improvement since coming to Dallas last season, especially in terms of shooting since his mid-range jumper has become a common shot. In most games, Powell is the first player off the bench with Chandler Parsons and that seems to work well for him.

The Mavs’ front office gains all the credit for these moves, and in some ways they have made the team better with multiple pieces at center instead of one main superstar. As long as everyone is able to stay healthy, the center position becomes less of a concern and more of a bright spot for a team that was once defined by if they had a center capable of anchoring down in the paint.

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Many thought the Mavs might target a center at the trade deadline but if Pachulia keeps up his unexpected efficient play, there will be no need for that. In the past, the center position has been a weak link, but this season, it could be the key to success for an overachieving Dallas Mavericks team.