Post-Ups: Former Celtic Powell Thriving in Dallas

BOSTON – Dwight Powell spent only a few months as a Boston Celtic, but that short time span was all that was needed to make a positive impression on coach Brad Stevens.

The 6-foot-11 power forward began his NBA career in 2014 with the Celtics, before being traded that December with Rajon Rondo to Dallas as a part of the deal that brought Jae Crowder to Boston. Powell has since been thriving in the Mavericks’ system and signed a multiyear deal with the franchise this past summer.

So far this season, Powell is averaging 6.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game while playing 18.9 minutes per contest off the bench. And his former coach couldn’t be happier for him.

“You knew Dwight would make it because Dwight has a great work ethic,” Stevens said Wednesday evening before tipping off against Powell and the Mavericks at TD Garden.

“Dwight has a great way about him. He’s a really good teammate, he’s a guy you like having around, so I was really happy for him that he signed the contract that he signed this summer because you root for a guy like that to make it and do well.”

Powell was drafted 45th overall by Charlotte in 2014 and, on Draft Night, was traded on Cleveland. The Cavaliers then shipped him to Boston two months later and he spent four months with the C’s until they dealt him to Dallas.

The Mavericks have relied heavily on Powell lately as Dirk Nowitzki has missed six contests this season – including four straight – with a sore right Achilles. The 25-year-old forward even earned a start last Wednesday against Golden State, and he delivered with a 14-point, nine-rebound performance.

“He’s gotten better each year,” said Mavs coach Rick Carlisle, who played three seasons with the Celtics in the 1980s. “He’s a tireless, relentless worker that any team in this league would want in their culture, so we’re really thrilled to be able to get him back.

“He’s playing more and more, plays two positions for us (center and power forward), and he’s going to continue to get better because he works so hard.”

Powell will put that hard work to the test again tonight under special circumstances as he takes on the team that he began his NBA career with.

- Taylor C. Snow