Dwight Powell got his first taste of EuroLeague basketball in Fenerbahce’s 84-65 win over Baskonia, earning praise from head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius along the way.
Just 3 points on debut would rarely be enough to steal the spotlight. In Dwight Powell’s case, though, his first EuroLeague appearance gave Sarunas Jasikevicius plenty of reasons to be satisfied.
The Canadian center helped Fenerbahce beat Baskonia 84-65, immediately taking care of the tasks that could make him a valuable addition. The little things every top club needs.
The 35-year-old arrived in Europe with extensive experience of what the center position demands. He spent 12 years with the Dallas Mavericks, establishing his place in the rotation through energy, physicality and contributions to the team. Efficient finishing around the rim and his effectiveness in the pick and roll were consistent features of his game. Across 768 NBA appearances, he averaged 6.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1 assist. Those numbers reflect a player accustomed to operating within a clearly defined role.
That experience makes his partnership with “Saras” an intriguing one. Powell can add another dimension to Fenerbahce’s game through his activity around the rim and the second chances he creates. He gives his coach the option of getting more from the center position without necessarily redistributing offensive responsibilities on a team already loaded with backcourt talent, including Wade Baldwin, Shane Larkin and Talen Horton-Tucker.
On his debut in Europe’s premier competition, he played 13:44 and scored 3 points, making his only two-point attempt and his only free throw. More importantly, he collected 7 rebounds, including 4 on the offensive glass, dished out 2 assists and blocked 1 shot. He committed no turnovers, picked up 1 foul and drew another, finishing with a PIR of 13.
The 4 offensive rebounds in fewer than 14 minutes were the standout contribution. Fenerbahce gained extra possessions from a player who had only just joined the team. A 35-year-old rookie!
His 2 assists without a turnover rounded out a productive performance in which limited scoring did nothing to diminish his overall contribution.
That was why Jasikevicius tipped his hat to him: “Dwight Powell was good, even very good. He did exactly what he has done throughout his career. His engine is incredible, and thanks to him, we got many second-chance points. He contributed to rebounds with his physicality under the basket. We’ll see… Of course, we need to give him some time. He’s only been able to have two practices with the team, so we need to be patient,” the Lithuanian coach said.
The reference to those two practices matters. Powell has to adapt to different spacing, build an understanding with new teammates and learn the detailed expectations of Fenerbahce’s demanding coach. His first outing, however, was thoroughly encouraging. A fuller assessment will naturally come once he has had more time to work with the team and faced different types of opposition.
For now, Powell has shown that he can contribute before becoming fully familiar with his new surroundings. He chased down loose balls, created extra possessions, helped his teammates and kept his game effective.
For a team with Fenerbahce’s ambitions, those little things carry considerable value. Saras had every reason to recognise them from the very first night.
