Mavericks score sneaky underrated steal with signing of bouncy center

The Dallas Mavericks' center position has been all over the place this season, and injuries have taken their toll on this position over the last month or so.

Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, and Anthony Davis are all out right now and will be reevaluated on March 6, and they've had to lean on 10-day contract signee Moses Brown to start at the five for the time being. After tonight's game, Brown's contract will expire, and Dwight Powell and potentially Kylor Kelley will be the only two bigs healthy on the roster.

Jason Kidd has found a way to get the most out of Brown during his short stint with the team, and recent reporting indicates that another new big man is coming to Dallas.

Kai Jones plans to sign two-way deal with Dallas Mavericks

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Kai Jones plans to sign a two-way deal with the Mavericks after he clears waivers, and it remains unclear which of Dallas' three two-way players will be cut to make room for him.

The reports of this planned signing happened in the middle of Dallas' game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night, and all three of Dallas two-way players (Brandon Williams, Kessler Edwards, and Kylor Kelley) were all on the bench (although inactive) for this game. One of those three players will need to be cut in order for Dallas to sign Jones, and considering how much Kidd relies on Edwards at times, it will likely be either Williams or Kelley being cut to bring in Jones.

This season for the LA Clippers, Jones averaged 2.2 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks per game while shooting 72.2 percent from the field, and him joining the team gives Kidd another serviceable big who can join the rotation right away. Jones is a freak athlete who runs the floor hard and finishes strong above the rim, and Mavs fans should prepare themselves for some ferocious slams if he gets solid playing time in Dallas.

Outside of Jones' elite dunking and athleticism, he is a solid rim protector and can switch some on defense. Dallas' defense typically relies heavily upon switching, and he should be able to hold his own when having to occasionally switch onto guards and wings. He doesn't have elite strength to the point that he can bully other bigs out of the paint, but his leaping ability and anticipation allow him to be a good help-side defender and shot blocker.

Jones' flashy dunks and ability to finish strong in the pick-and-roll game should make him a short-term fan favorite if he gets some minutes, and he'll definitely help hold the team over until Davis, Gafford, or Lively II returns. If Jones can have a similar immediate impact like Brown did, Mavericks fans will be thrilled. Jones and Powell are going to have their work cut out for them until the rest of the frontcourt gets healthy, and this is the perfect chance for Jones to finish the year strong and to learn from an NBA Champion in Davis.