Spencer Dinwiddie, now back with the Dallas Mavericks, opened up about the adjustments required to play alongside superstar Luka Doncic. Dinwiddie, who previously played for the Mavericks before stints with Brooklyn and Los Angeles, explained that Doncic’s unique passing ability requires adaptation.
“Honestly, I had to adjust to Luka’s passing because he passes from all angles,” Dinwiddie shared, via Grant Afseth’s Dallas Hoops Journal. He noted that such a versatile passing style is rare in the NBA, making it essential for teammates to be prepared for Doncic’s precision and creativity. “It’s not something you see often, so it takes some getting used to,” Dinwiddie said.
Having played with several high-level talents, Dinwiddie emphasized the importance of learning a star player’s game to succeed as a complementary piece. “When you play with a superstar like Luka, you have to learn their game and adapt,” Dinwiddie added. His ability to adapt to different roles has helped him thrive alongside star players throughout his career.
Dinwiddie’s time with the Mavericks has shown his willingness to adjust based on Doncic’s needs. “If Luka wants me to attack more, I do that. If he wants me to catch and shoot, I do that too,” he explained, highlighting his versatility on the court.
Dinwiddie’s second stint in Dallas comes after a series of moves in the last two seasons. In February 2023, he was traded back to Brooklyn from the Mavericks as part of the blockbuster Kyrie Irving trade. After a brief stop with the Nets, he was traded again to the Toronto Raptors, who ultimately waived him. This led to a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2024.
With the Lakers, Dinwiddie played a key role, including a 26-point performance in a high-scoring victory against the Indiana Pacers. Despite his contributions, Dinwiddie returned to the Mavericks in August 2024, reuniting with Doncic and resuming his role as a key guard in the rotation.
Dinwiddie’s experience playing with elite playmakers like Doncic has helped him develop his skills as a complementary guard. Last season, he averaged 10.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists between his time with Brooklyn and Los Angeles. Now, back in Dallas, he is poised to build on that production while continuing to adjust to Doncic’s unique style of play.
