Mavericks' Anthony Davis injury nightmare already has a simple solution

The Dallas Mavericks are in clear tank mode following the devastating news that Anthony Davis would likely miss a few months after injuring his left hand. While there is no other outcome other than to focus on this upcoming summer's NBA Draft and younger players on the roster, the Mavericks may have already found their answer at the center position with Moussa Cisse.

Following the news of Davis potentially missing the remainder of the season and even a Daniel Gafford trade to clear up even more roster space, Cisse could receive the biggest role he has had during his rookie season. The Mavericks already have a clear gaping hole at the center position without Davis on the active roster, and even though the Mavs haven't been shy about using Cisse's two-way availability, the rookie big man may be Dallas' only answer at the five spot.

This not only gives the Mavericks a real opportunity to see Cisse play valuable minutes in a starting scenario, but it also gives the team a clear path to developing some of its younger players. Fans have already seen this with Ryan Nembhard; now it's time for the rookie from Memphis to step up and show fans how he can be a building block in Dallas' future.

Moussa Cisse should receive more playing time following Davis' injury

To say the Mavericks have an injury-riddled roster would be an understatement with Dereck Lively II, Dante Exum, and now possibly Davis out for the season. Luckily for the Mavericks, focusing on the future should not only be the team's No. 1 priority, but also playing younger players, such as Cisse, in place of veterans.

In Cisse's first game against the Chicago Bulls following the Davis injury, the big man played a total of 19 minutes and scored five points, while gobbling up an impressive 10 rebounds. Cisse also poured in three blocks, once again proving his worth on the defensive side of the ball.

Since the start of the regular season, Cisse has wowed fans with his impressive motor and ability to affect games on the defensive end with his paint presence. Oftentimes, Cisse records multiple blocks in a single game or even hauls in multiple offensive or defensive rebounds on the same possession to create extra opportunities for the team, which speaks to his motor and drive when he is playing.

It's unclear when the Mavericks might be ready to hand Cisse a full standard contract, but with Nembhard and the former Memphis standout both on two-way deals, it may be a logical guess to assume both players will be on Dallas' 15-man roster by the end of the season.

For Dallas, it not only makes perfect sense to give Cisse as much playing time as possible, but now, with Davis possibly out for the remainder of the year, the Mavericks may have no other option but to look to the rookie standout.

With Dallas needing to focus on the draft and building around Cooper Flagg, giving Cisse a larger role only makes sense following the Davis injury news.