Dallas Mavericks

Do the Mavs have a diamond in the rough in Dwight Powell?

Published Jul. 30, 2015 6:31 p.m. ET

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The Dallas Mavericks' trade for Rajon Rondo last season didn't work out as planned, but there's hope that some of the deal can be salvaged yet.

Dwight Powell, a second-round pick in the 2014 draft, was included as essentially a throw-in by the Boston Celtics in the Rondo trade. After a successful Summer League where he flashed real potential, however, Powell may end up playing a substantial role behind Dirk Nowitzki this upcoming season.

Here's more from Vytis Lasaitis at Bleacher Report:

Carlisle couldn't find consistent playing time for the 24-year-old last year, but he recognizes the fact that he'll have to rely on Powell a lot more during the upcoming season. A lot of the minutes at power forward might land in Powell's lap by default, but it's clearly not something Carlisle is bitter about.

"There’s going to be an opportunity for an increased role next year, and that’s not an overstatement," Carlisle said, per Earl K. Sneed of Mavs.com. "That’s how strongly we feel about his ability to contribute, so we really like him. You know, he’s been a real positive guy to have in the organization since he came over.”

(h/t Bleacher Report)