Mavericks' core flaw is finally being fixed by the last person you'd expect

Since the beginning of the regular season, the Dallas Mavericks have lacked an aspect of energy and effort when on the floor due to their slow start and the number of key injuries to key players. While it would be easy for the team to roll over and accept the reality that they may not be a suitable playoff team in the Western Conference, Mavs' two-way stud, Moussa Cisse, has given the team life where it was least expected.

Since joining the Mavericks' Summer League squad, it was an uphill battle to make the final roster for Cisse. He would not only come into the league as an undrafted player, but during the Summer League, he would fail to make a true impact despite being on an Exhibit-10 contract and already having an invite to Mavs training camp. During the few weeks of preseason, Cisse truly announced himself as a possible difference-maker and earned the right to Dallas' final two-way roster spot.

Since earning that status in the league, Cisse has become known as one of Dallas' few difference-makers in the energy department, and while he hasn't played many minutes over the Mavericks' recent three-game winning streak, he will be expected to get more minutes after a recent injury to Daniel Gafford. In the past, this would sound like a death sentence to the roster, but fans are more eager than ever to get the energy-filled center out on the floor as soon as possible.

Moussa Cisse's energy is becoming crucial for the Mavericks

It's hard to have any expectations for two-way players in their rookie season, and there's no doubt that Ryan Nembhard has been an absolute stud since getting the starting job, but when it comes to Cisse, fans truly didn't know what to expect with the former Memphis standout. Not only has Cisse made a name for himself since getting his first real minutes earlier this season, but fans quickly realized that he may be the most energy-filled player on the floor at any point he is playing.

Cisse was known as a shot blocker in college, but in the NBA, he has become so much more due to his effort. The rookie has already had multiple instances of running down and blocking a shot and then finding himself sprinting down the floor on a fast break to get an easy dunk, or diving on the floor to recover loose balls. For a team desperate for something positive, this is what fans love to see.

Over the summer, the Mavericks likely had a clear understanding that they needed to fill their final two-way roster spot with a center due to their health concerns at the big man position. Now, with Gafford possibly missing time and Dereck Lively II out for the foreseeable future, Cisse could get his biggest role yet of the season behind Anthony Davis.

Not only are fans eager to see what the seven-footer can bring to the floor in a meaningful role, but this could be a possible look at one of Dallas' future reserve centers. Knowing that Cisse is young and ready to put in the work it takes to be a professional in the NBA should be a promising sign, but knowing that he is going to leave everything he has on the floor that night should be an even better indicator of what kind of player Cisse has the potential to be.