Thread Tools

Display Modes

mavsman · 07-12-2005, 09:28 AM

After looking at how he is playing in Summer League, leading the summer league in rebounding by a mile. He is athletic 6'9" guy who could take the roster spot of Henderson.

I didn't not realize how young he is. He is well younger than Josh Howard. Powell is basically the same age as Devin Harris.

This team wants to go with more athleticism and I think a guy like Powell fits the bill really well. If we only had one roster spot available then maybe you want to fill it with someone who fills a bigger need but with 4-5 roster spots available I think adding a guy like Josh Powell would be a good idea. An inexpensive young player who could make us more athletic.

**HKF** · 07-12-2005, 09:29 AM

Yeah, he left NC State two years ago, but he has seemed to work hard to improve himself.

KokoTheMonkey · 07-12-2005, 12:43 PM

Someone else might have a better offer for him if he's playing so well. But yeah, it wouldn't hurt if he took over Henderson's spot.

mavsman · 07-12-2005, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KokoTheMonkey

Someone else might have a better offer for him if he's playing so well. But yeah, it wouldn't hurt if he took over Henderson's spot.

Which is why you lock him up as soon as possible. I don't think any other team is going to offer him some huge deal that the Mavs could not match even if another team is interested.

mavsman · 07-12-2005, 02:22 PM

Just caught this article about Powell.

Quote:

Posted on Tue, Jul. 12, 2005

MAVERICKS NOTES

Breakout player three years in the making

By ART GARCIA

Star-Telegram Staff Writer

LAS VEGAS - Josh Powell has been through this drill before.

For the second time in three summers, the former North Carolina State power forward is auditioning for an NBA gig with the Mavericks.

Powell, 21, has easily been the Mavs' standout through three games of the Reebok Vegas Summer League, stealing some of the spotlight from the team's young NBA veterans.

But whether he's suiting up with Marquis Daniels, Devin Harris and Co. beyond July, remains to be seen. What is clear is the Mavs are looking for athletic help in the frontcourt behind Dirk Nowitzki, and Powell (6-foot-9, 225 pounds) at least fits that bill.

"Do I think there is something there? Absolutely," Mavs assistant Joe Prunty said Monday. "Do I know if he's going to make it and be able to contribute? We'll see."

Powell continued a string of consistent performances with a solid showing Monday afternoon as the Mavs scrimmaged Chicago at the Tarkanian Basketball Academy. On a team with two 7-footers already on the Mavs roster -- DJ Mbenga and Pavel Podkolzin -- it's Powell who's averaging 11.3 rebounds in summer league. No one else is averaging more than five boards.

"I play with my heart," said Powell, who went undrafted when he entered the 2003 NBA Draft after his sophomore season. "I try to outplay people. I don't try to do anything special. I just try to outwork them, especially when it comes to rebounding. My job is to grind, rebound, play defense and play hard."

Powell is most at home fighting for position in the paint.

When he grabs an offensive board, he has shown the strength to dunk on taller defenders. He's averaging 13.7 points -- second only to Daniels.

"There's potential for sure," Prunty said, "but you can never judge wholly in five days. You just don't know what all is there."

Powell played most of the last two seasons in Italy.

"I'm a little older, more mature and I just know what to expect," said Powell, comparing this go-around with the Mavs to the 2003 stint. "I know what my role is as a player."

Tonight figures to be an important measuring stick for Powell against an established NBA power forward. The Mavs face Orlando, led by Dwight Howard, who averaged a double-double as a rookie last season.

Duo departing

Injured point guard Devin Harris heads to Dallas today to meet with team doctors and determine if additional tests are needed on his slightly separated right shoulder. He suffered the injury Friday, when he took a hard fall against Boston.

Harris said the shoulder has made little progress and he's not sure if he'll join the summer league team at the end of week in Salt Lake City for the Rocky Mountain Revue.

Marquis Daniels will play in his final game tonight before heading to Orlando to host a charity pool tournament.

To make up for the loss of the two guards, the Mavs moved Jamison Brewer from the "B" team playing in California to the Las Vegas squad.

A giant step?

Second-year center Pavel Podkolzin had his first breakout game in a Mavs uniform, albeit a summer-league one. The 7-foot-5 Russian had 15 points and eight rebounds in Sunday's 82-60 victory over Portland.

Though pleased with the performance, Joe Prunty wasn't about to call it a step in the right direction.

"It's not even a step," he said. "It's more like the brain has said 'we're getting ready to move our foot.' One day isn't good enough. If he has a great remainder of the week, then we'll say he took a step in the right direction."

Avery's absence

Mavs coach Avery Johnson missed practice to attend a friend's award ceremony in New Orleans.

He is expected back today to coach against Orlando. Joe Prunty ran practice in Johnson's place.

soulhunter · 07-13-2005, 05:22 AM

Great article, I really think Powell could be a great addition to the Mavs, an athletic, cheap and very young player, whats not to like?

One question though, is he a (NBA) 3 or a 4? Or an Antawn Jamison type tweener that may have size problems playing the 4, but is too slow for the 3? If he can fit a position and be effective, bring him along to training camp.

Even if he can't bring him to training camp, he deserves it.

Thread Tools Display Modes

Thread Tools

Display Modes