By Rashad Miller
Dwight Powell, getting more playing time due to the Mavericks being short-handed, was unaware he’d surpassed Shawn Bradley for sixth all-time in offensive rebounds until informed of the milestone before the Mavericks faced the Los Angeles Lakers Tuesday night. “That’s some incredible company to be in,” Powell remarked, referencing Mavericks’ offensive rebounding leader Dirk Nowitzki and others. Powell acknowledged the increased opportunities due to injuries, saying he’s “had a few more cracks at it.”
The Dallas Mavericks have had many players contribute to their offensive rebounding efforts throughout the years. Leading the way is Dirk Nowitzki with an impressive 1468 offensive rebounds. Following him are James Donaldson (1296), Mark Aguirre (1259), Sam Perkins (1226), and Erick Dampier (1224). Dwight Powell recently moved into sixth place on this list with 1065 offensive rebounds, surpassing Shawn Bradley who has 1063. Rolando Blackman (1001), Roy Tarpley (964), and Popeye Jones (917) round out the top 10 offensive rebounders in Mavericks history.
Powell’s achievement adds to his already impressive career with the Mavericks, where he currently ranks 10th on the team’s all-time total rebounds list, showcasing his consistent contribution to the team’s success on the boards. Powell’s consistent contributions and longevity with the Mavericks has also earned him a spot in the top 5 for games played, showcasing his dedication and value to the franchise.
Powell expressed his humility and admiration for the players he’s now listed with, stating, “It’s an honor to be mentioned, but those guys have accomplished some incredible things in their career.” He acknowledged his fortune and longevity with the Mavericks, saying, “I’m fortunate to be in the situation I’m in and have the longevity that I’ve had…to be part of this organization for as long as I have.” Despite the personal achievement, Powell maintained a sense of perspective, adding, “Those guys have accomplished a lot more than I have, so I look up to them in a lot of ways. It’s an honor above all.”
Recalling his early days with the Mavericks, Powell recounted the lasting impression of witnessing Dirk Nowitzki’s dedication, saying, “the first time seeing Dirk in the dungeon gym, working out with Holger after a game and just thinking to myself, like, man, he’s done it all, but he’s still working on his craft and trying to perfect his game.” Powell also humorously remembered Tyson Chandler’s influence, adding, “Tyson forced me to lift weights early mornings before games.”
Powell expressed his gratitude for the Dallas community and the Mavericks organization for their support and emphasis on giving back. He acknowledged the organization’s role in teaching players how to engage with the community and establish philanthropic endeavors, stating, “They’ve shown us how to do those things, and obviously, I was well set up in the infrastructure for us to do it.” This foundation led Powell to establish the Dwight Powell Children and Family Support Program at UT Southwestern, a cause close to his heart.
He explained, “When I was in a situation to set up my own fund at UT Southwestern, it was something that I was looking forward to for some time and had a great support system here at the Mavs to help me get that ball rolling.” In 2022, following a visit with patients at Children’s Medical Dallas, Dwight Powell continued his philanthropic efforts by donating $100,000 to UT Southwestern. Dwight Powell’s commitment to community service has earned him multiple nominations for the NBA Cares Community Assist Award, including his third nomination in five years in 2023. The program has received positive feedback, and Powell emphasized the importance of using his platform to help those in need, concluding, “To be able to find ways to use my platform to support people that are in difficult situations is what it’s really all about.”
The Dwight Powell Children and Family Support Program at UT Southwestern offers a range of services to families coping with cancer. These include music therapy, legacy work for families facing terminal diagnoses, and resources to help parents and grandparents discuss cancer with their children. The program also provides transportation assistance, family-centered workshops on financial and legal matters, and school supplies and after-school care for children. Additionally, it offers cleaning services, meal delivery, and specialized assistance for children with special needs. The program aims to tailor its support to the unique needs of each family facing childhood cancer.
Dwight Powell’s commitment to the Dallas community and his philanthropic efforts through the Dwight Powell Children and Family Support Program further demonstrate his character and impact beyond the basketball court. As he continues to contribute to the Mavericks’ success, Powell’s legacy in Dallas will undoubtedly be one of both athletic accomplishment and community leadership.