Mar 28, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dwight Powell (7) dunks the ball against Denver Nuggets guard Gary Harris (14) and center Joffrey Lauvergne (77) and guard JaKarr Sampson (9) in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Mavericks defeated the Nuggets 97-88. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Mavericks Roundtable: Who is the Best Center on the Roster? by Isaac Harris

Justin Anderson and Dwight Powell have had trouble carving out spots in the rotation for the Dallas Mavericks, but took an opportunity in Denver to show what young legs can do.

Dwight Powell started the season off strongly for the Dallas Mavericks, but has fallen out of the rotation in recent months. Rookie swingman Justin Anderson has never really gotten a chance to get started in his first season as a professional. But that didn’t stop the two youngsters from reminding us what young legs can do when they finally got their shot against the Denver Nuggets on Monday.

The two combined for 27 points (13-21 FG) in Dallas’ much-needed 97-88 win, adding some athleticism to one of the league’s most ground-bound rotations.

And they did their work mostly in impressive, above-the-rim fashion.

The Mavericks could sure use some of what Anderson and Powell provide, but as they’re fighting for a playoff spot don’t expect their good showings to guarantee playing time. Rick Carlisle will continue to work match ups as he sees fit, and there are still certainly areas that need improvement for the springy duo.

Still, Mavericks fans got another taste of the potential that caused the front office to balk on first round draft pick offers for Powell and Anderson at the trade deadline. With another summer of work, both players could become valued members of the rotation next season.