Mavericks' roster dilemma has a painfully obvious fix way before training camp

The Dallas Mavericks still have one two-way contract to fill before training camp starts, but the decision seems clear well in advance. Matthew Cleveland is the top choice for the spot, and the reasons are compelling.

Cleveland enters camp with an impressive offensive skill set rarely found in a two-way candidate. Last season at Miami, he averaged 17.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. He shot 51.1 percent from the field and 38.2 percent from 3-point range. These stats show he’s more than just a slasher. He is an efficient, multi-faceted scorer who performed well against ACC competition.

His scoring ability carried over into the Las Vegas Summer League, where he played with the same confidence. In a game against the Orlando Magic, he scored 17 points on 6-11 shooting, along with four rebounds, two steals, and a block in 24 minutes. Even in limited minutes overall, he averaged 7.5 points on 40.7 percent shooting and made 33.3 percent of his 3-point attempts. For a player looking for an NBA spot, those are positive indicators of readiness.

Why Matthew Cleveland is the obvious choice for Dallas' final roster spot

Now, consider the other two main candidates: Jamarion Sharp and Moussa Cisse. Sharp is a huge seven-footer with great shot-blocking skills, but his offensive game is very undeveloped. He has not yet demonstrated he can score consistently beyond dunks and put-backs. Cisse is athletic and energetic, but he seems more like a long-term project than a ready contributor. Neither brings the scoring ability Dallas needs right now.

Cleveland, however, already appears to be someone who can step in and handle spot minutes. Two-way contracts typically go to development players, but the Mavericks are not in a position to take on multiple long-term projects. This team needs reliable depth, especially on the wing, where injuries or foul trouble can quickly threaten the rotation.

What sets Cleveland apart is not just his scoring ability, but also his versatility. At Miami, he showed he could drive to the rim, finish through contact, and make open threes. In Summer League, he continued that aggressive play against NBA-level competition, showcasing both confidence and composure. He does not shy away from pressure, which is a valuable trait for a two-way player who might be called upon in tough situations.

There’s also a strategic advantage to his skill set. With Dallas changing its roster and relying heavily on versatile wings, Cleveland fits perfectly. He can stretch the floor as a shooter, attack defenders closing out, and even create his own shot in isolation. Sharp and Cisse do not offer that kind of offensive flexibility, making Cleveland more valuable in the short term.

No one expects a two-way player to completely change a roster, but the right player can help win a few games across an 82-game season. Whether it's making a crucial three-pointer or providing a scoring boost off the bench, Cleveland has the tools to make a significant impact. Those small contributions can be the difference between fighting for a playoff position or slipping into the play-in.

The Mavericks should not overthink this decision. Sharp and Cisse are interesting prospects, but they are not ready. Cleveland has already shown he can score, stretch the floor, and compete against NBA players. The best move is also the simplest one: secure him for that final two-way contract before training camp starts.