Mavericks rookie is forcing Jason Kidd into a tough truth

Dallas Mavericks two-way rookie Moussa Cisse has surprisingly been a staple for the team this season, and his energy-filled defense should force coach Jason Kidd to play him over veteran Dwight Powell. Cisse's recent progression due to injuries to other bigs around him has been clear, and Kidd needs to realize that he is a better option at center than Powell.

Both players have been viable backup centers, but Cisse got the upper hand last week when Dallas played the Utah Jazz. The two-way rookie played in 13 minutes and posted six points, seven rebounds (five of which were offensive), and one block. Powell, on the other hand, had seven points and nine rebounds in 24 minutes.

Both players posted similar statistics from a numbers perspective, but Cisse was obviously much more impactful. He did a great job creating second-chance opportunities for his teammates and wasn't afraid to fight for every loose ball. Plus, his high energy is infectious, and he plays as hard as anyone on the roster.

Why Moussa Cisse is outplaying Dwight Powell

So, it's clear Cisse should be absorbing most of Powell's minutes, right? Should Kidd be playing the rookie more and more each game?

For starters, to answer the questions above, Dallas must examine their rookie from a couple of viewpoints. One, it has already been established that he is a better option than Powell, as he is younger, brings excellent intensity, and is a strong rim protector. Basically, he does all the right things to help the Mavs be productive in his minutes.

Despite this, Kidd seems to trust Powell much more than him. Powell is playing much more, but Cisse has been better despite his minutes being so sporadic.

One example, besides the Utah game, that really highlights his aggression is his superb play in November. There was a stretch last month where the rookie posted two or more blocks for four games in a row. He had his best game on November 11 against the Phoenix Suns, recording four blocks and nine rebounds in under 15 minutes. So, it's clear his production has made him a valuable asset to the team, as he makes a big impact often despite receiving limited minutes.

On top of his strong rebounding and defense, none of this would be possible without his lengthy and wiry build. Cisse has a seven-foot-four wingspan, which allows him to alter every shot around the bucket.

Cisse has been a blessing in disguise for the Mavs and someone Kidd should be playing more. Yet, if Dallas plans to move forward with the rookie, it must solve their one issue: his contract. Remember, he is currently on a two-way contract, meaning he can only be active for 50 games. He has already been on the roster for 27 games, and the team must be careful how they use him moving forward.

This is a weird spot to be in for the Mavericks. Dallas could make room for Cisse, but that would be hard, as they are already trying to create space for Ryan Nembhard.

The Mavs could sign Cisse after the season, though, as Powell's contract expires. They could use Cisse's value and production to replace Powell, especially since he is a step up from the veteran. Their playstyles are similar, and learning from him all season would make this transition easy.

Now, until that time comes, the Dallas Mavericks must continue to play Cisse more and use his minutes to replace Powell's production. The two-way rookie has proven his value, and his high energy will be valuable in the near future if Kidd begins to utilize him more often.