Exclusive: Spencer Dinwiddie on Mavericks Return: “We’re Going to Attack from All Angles Now”

Spencer Dinwiddie is no stranger to the Dallas Mavericks. After playing a crucial role in the team’s 2022 Western Conference Finals run, Dinwiddie was traded to the Brooklyn Nets as part of the blockbuster Kyrie Irving deal before the 2023 midseason deadline. Now, he’s back in Dallas for his second stint, signed to a one-year, $2.1 million contract, and ready to make an even greater impact this time.

Dinwiddie started strong in the 2023-24 season, averaging 12.6 points, 6.0 assists, and 3.3 rebounds in 48 games with the Nets. However, his journey took a sharp turn at the midseason deadline when he was traded to the Toronto Raptors. After being waived by Toronto, Dinwiddie entered free agency and chose to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers over the Mavericks, where his role shifted. He finished the season averaging 6.8 points, 2.4 assists, and 1.7 rebounds in 28 games.

In his return to Dallas, Dinwiddie spoke with Dallas Hoops Journal after practice Friday to share his perspective on returning to the Mavericks, his evolving role, and his excitement for the upcoming season with a team coming off an NBA Finals appearance.

Dallas Mavericks Have New Look and Depth

Having been with the Mavericks before, Dinwiddie is no stranger to playing alongside Luka Dončić. However, the roster has undergone significant improvements since his last stint, with Klay Thompson garnering the most attention. Other key additions, such as Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, and P.J. Washington, have also strengthened the team. Dinwiddie shared how these changes bring a new dynamic to the Mavericks.

“Combination-wise, it’s very similar,” Dinwiddie told Dallas Hoops Journal. “Kyrie and JB (Jalen Brunson) are both on the shorter side, work well in the mid-range, and are excellent clutch performers. Obviously, nothing changed with me and Luka, but the team overall is more talented now with guys like Lively, Gafford, and P.J. (Washington). So, it’ll be different because we’re not just relying on a three-headed monster. We’re going to be able to attack from a lot of different angles now.”

Dinwiddie’s optimism about the added depth and flexibility shows a strong belief in the Mavericks’ ability to compete at a higher level, utilizing the expanded offensive options at their disposal.

Dallas Mavericks Embracing a Faster Pace

One of the major shifts in the Mavericks’ strategy since Dinwiddie was last on the team has been an emphasis on playing with more pace. Traditionally, the team has been methodical by slowing it down in the half-court, but now, Dinwiddie sees more opportunities for players to attack.

“Yeah, definitely,” Dinwiddie told Dallas Hoops Journal. “I love attacking the basket and making plays. More pace is going to create more gaps for us, and when the defense gets into rotation, I’ll have more opportunities to attack. That’s going to be really helpful for sure.”

The added speed benefits Dinwiddie, who excels at attacking the paint, and plays into the team’s desire to catch opposing defenses off guard in transition.

Defensive Enhancements with Rim Protection

The Mavericks’ offseason additions have also bolstered the team’s defense, particularly with Lively and Gafford protecting the rim. Dinwiddie highlighted how the team can now be more aggressive on the perimeter, knowing they have reinforcements in the paint.

“It definitely enhances our rim protection, which lets us apply more ball pressure,” Dinwiddie told Dallas Hoops Journal. “We can force guys into the paint, knowing we have bigs that can block or alter shots, making it tough on the offense. It gives us more options defensively, for sure.”

This enhanced rim protection allows the Mavericks to play more aggressively on the ball, knowing their interior defense can back them up. During Dinwiddie’s previous stint, the team often relied on small ball with Maxi Kleber and Dwight Powell as a center tandem.

Adapting to the Unique Passing of Luka Dončić

Playing alongside Dončić is no easy feat due to his unconventional passing angles and creativity. Dinwiddie shared that it took time to adjust to Dončić’s unique style, but now he knows how to complement the superstar’s game.

“Honestly, I had to adjust to Luka’s passing because he passes from all angles,” Dinwiddie told Dallas Hoops Journal. “It’s not something you see often, so it takes some getting used to. When you play with a superstar like Luka, you have to learn their game and adapt. I think I’ve been successful with max players because I come in with that mindset of figuring out how to complement them. If Luka wants me to attack more, I do that. If he wants me to catch and shoot, I do that too.”

Dinwiddie’s adaptability has been key to his success, and his ability to adjust based on Dončić’s preferences will be essential this season. As the Mavericks aim to get the most out of their supporting cast, this familiarity and adaptability can help.

The Importance of Moving Luka Dončić Around

With an evolving offensive system amid the integration of Klay Thompson, the Mavericks are looking to move Dončić off the ball more frequently to make him less predictable and harder to guard. Dinwiddie believes this shift will only help.

“Luka can do everything—pass, dribble, shoot—so if you move him around, it makes it a lot harder for the defense to key in on him,” Dinwiddie told Dallas Hoops Journal. “If he’s only in one spot, like posting up on the right side, teams can set up their defense to stop that. But by moving him around, the defense can’t lock in on one strategy. And with Luka, there’s really no ‘stopping’ him. Even when he’s jammed up, he has that Dirk shot that’s almost unblockable. It’s a tough shot to make, but he hits it at a high clip. So even when he’s in a tough situation, it’s still a good shot for us.”

With Dončić being one of the most versatile offensive players in the league, positioning him in different areas will keep defenses guessing and help maximize the Mavericks’ offensive efficiency.

Looking Ahead

Dinwiddie’s insight into the Mavericks’ upcoming season showcases a better team around Dončić than the last time Dinwiddie was with the organization. Dinwiddie is ready to make his mark in his second stint with the team, regardless of how he has to do it.

With Danté Exum being sidelined for a still undetermined amount of time due to a wrist injury he suffered at training camp, Dinwiddie naturally could be leaned on more early in the season by the Mavericks. His ability and willingness to fill whatever role is asked of him is a significant part of the value he brings.

You can watch the full interview with Spencer Dinwiddie here. Stay tuned for more exclusive coverage of the Mavericks as they prepare for the regular season.