Exclusive: Dwight Powell Surpasses Shawn Bradley in Mavericks Milestone, Reflects on Career and Community Impact
Dwight Powell surpasses Shawn Bradley in Mavericks' offensive rebounds while reflecting on his career, community impact, and philanthropic efforts.
DALLAS — Dwight Powell, stepping into an expanded role for the Dallas Mavericks due to the team’s injury challenges, achieved a notable milestone Tuesday night. Before the Mavericks faced the Los Angeles Lakers, Powell learned he had surpassed Shawn Bradley for sixth place on the franchise’s all-time offensive rebounds list.
“That’s some incredible company to be in,” Powell told DallasHoopsJournal.com, referencing franchise legends such as Mavericks’ all-time offensive rebounding leader Dirk Nowitzki. Powell credited his increased opportunities to injuries across the roster, saying, “I’ve had a few more cracks at it.”
The Mavericks boast a rich history of players contributing on the offensive glass. Nowitzki leads with 1,468 offensive rebounds, followed by James Donaldson (1,296), Mark Aguirre (1,259), Sam Perkins (1,226), and Erick Dampier (1,224). Powell’s 1,065 offensive rebounds edged him past Bradley’s 1,063 for sixth place, with Rolando Blackman (1,001), Roy Tarpley (964), and Popeye Jones (917) completing the top 10.
Powell, who also ranks 10th on the Mavericks’ all-time total rebounds list, emphasized his gratitude for the longevity of his career and the opportunity to contribute consistently to the franchise. He is among the top five in games played for the team, underscoring his durability and value to the organization.
“It’s an honor to be mentioned, but those guys have accomplished some incredible things in their career,” Powell told DallasHoopsJournal.com. Reflecting on his journey with Dallas, he added, “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 his accomplishments, Powell remained humble, saying, “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.”
Learning From Mavericks Greats
Powell fondly recalled his early years with the Mavericks, including the inspiration he drew from Dirk Nowitzki’s legendary work ethic.
“The first time seeing Dirk in the dungeon gym, working out with Holger after a game… 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 reflected to DallasHoopsJournal.com.
He also humorously noted the influence of another Mavericks great, Tyson Chandler.
“Tyson forced me to lift weights early mornings before games,” Powell shared with DallasHoopsJournal.com with a laugh.
Giving Back to the Community
Off the court, Powell has significantly impacted the Dallas community. He expressed appreciation for the Mavericks’ emphasis on philanthropy and their support in guiding players to engage with local causes.
“They’ve shown us how to do those things, and obviously, I was well set up in the infrastructure for us to do it,” Powell explained to DallasHoopsJournal.com.
This foundation inspired him to create the Dwight Powell Children and Family Support Program at UT Southwestern, a cause close to his heart.
“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 I had a great support system here at the Mavs to help me get that ball rolling,” Powell told DallasHoopsJournal.com.
In 2022, after visiting Children’s Medical Dallas patients, Powell furthered his philanthropic efforts by donating $100,000 to UT Southwestern. His 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.
“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,” Powell emphasized to DallasHoopsJournal.com.
Comprehensive Support for Families Facing Cancer
The Dwight Powell Children and Family Support Program provides a wide range of services for 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 children.
Additionally, the program offers transportation assistance, workshops on financial and legal matters, school supplies, after-school care, cleaning services, meal delivery, and specialized support for children with special needs. Powell’s initiative aims to meet the unique needs of families facing childhood cancer, tailoring services to provide meaningful assistance.
Powell’s achievements on and off the court exemplify his dedication to the Mavericks and the Dallas community, cementing his legacy as a player who excels in every aspect of his career.
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