Spencer Dinwiddie played 155 games with the Mavericks, and he was a solid contributor the whole time. Calling him a “Mavs legend” might be a stretch, but he was good in both of his stints!
Now, after being waived by the Hornets earlier this month, Dinwiddie is taking his talents to the Bundesliga and signing with Bayern Munich. He was linked with some other European clubs as well, but ultimately chose the German powerhouse.
At 31 years old, Dinwiddie still has something left in the tank, but his NBA career might be wrapped up now that he’s off to Germany. His deal does not include an NBA opt-out clause, according to Hoops Rumors, which seems like an admission that Dinwiddie’s NBA days might be behind him.
Dinwiddie played 79 games for the Mavs last year, averaging 11.0 points per game and shooting 33 percent from 3-point range. He then signed a vets minimum deal with the Hornets but couldn’t secure a roster spot; the Hornets kept Pat Connaughton as their 15th man, which left Dinwiddie without a job stateside.
I’m a little surprised Dinwiddie couldn’t find another job in the NBA, to be honest. He’s on the wrong side of 30 and can get a little shot-happy, but there are many worse players who are currently on NBA rosters. Alas, there’s no shame in heading to a cool city and likely being a star in a good league. Maybe he just wanted to move to Germany! Who can relate?
Dinwiddie isn’t the only former NBA player on the Bayern roster. Former Lakers big man Wenyen Gabriel is also on the team. The Lakers to Bayern Munich pipeline is stronger than ever, and they’ll both play big parts for a team that has won two of the past three German Cups and is in prime position to capture another with Dinwiddie in the mix. Dinwiddie might have to learn a new style of basketball, and the European brand of quick passes and elite teamwork clashes a bit with Dinwiddie’s score-first attitude. But I am confident he can fit in.
It can’t be easy to make the transition from a long NBA career to one overseas; moving abroad is a big undertaking, no matter who you are. So best of luck to Dinwiddie in his new venture with Bayern Munich. Mavericks fans thank him for his service.
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