Dwight Powell's return hands Mavericks an unexpected training-camp battle

After months of being a free agent following the 2025-26 season, Dwight Powell has found his home (at least for the preseason). The Dallas Mavericks are expected to sign Powell to a training-camp contract ahead of his 13th season, and this move creates an unexpected roster battle between Powell and Moussa Cisse.

Moussa Cisse's roster spot isn't as safe as it once was

Before Dallas signed Powell, Cisse's spot on the Mavericks seemed like a lock. The young big man had a stellar rookie season for Dallas, averaging 4.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks while playing just 13.9 minutes per game. The Mavericks matched the New York Knicks' two-year offer sheet for Cisse, keeping him in Dallas for the next two seasons, but his future may be hanging in the balance after the team gave Powell a chance to fight for a roster spot.

Why a long-term Dwight Powell reunion is still unlikely

On the surface, it seems extremely unlikely that Powell will be on the Mavs' opening-night roster. He's 35, his role has been minimized over the last three seasons, and his on-court production has declined. Additionally, Dallas doesn't have the roster space to sign him to a standard deal. The Mavericks have 15 players on standard contracts, and for Powell to be on the roster, they would have to waive someone.

Powell isn't the same player he once was, as he was Dallas' starting center during their run to the 2022 Western Conference Finals, and this summer seemed like the ideal time to move on.

Powell and Cisse had similar seasons

Most Mavericks fans were under the impression that Powell wasn't coming back with less than a month to go until the preseason, but that quickly changed when he was spotted with the team in California last week. At the very least, he has a chance to fight for Dusty May's approval during his first year as Dallas' head coach, and Cisse's roster spot may not be safe after all.

Cisse and Powell's roles were very similar during the 2025-26 season. Cisse was more productive, but he and Powell were jockeying for minutes for most of the season. Powell edged out Cisse when it comes to playing time, as he played 14.3 minutes per game compared to Cisse's 13.9.

It always seemed like Cisse was destined to steal Powell's spot in the rotation after last season, but Cisse needs to outplay Powell during training camp to secure his roster spot.

There were moments last season when Dallas opted to play Powell more than Cisse. They obviously have a new head coach and vision this year compared to last, but Cisse’s roster spot shouldn’t be considered guaranteed after the Mavs brought back Powell.

Powell and Cisse's stats are extremely similar, with Cisse having an edge as a scorer, rebounder, and defender, but Powell being the better passer and more efficient player. Cisse's offensive game, though, is more raw than Powell's despite both players primarily being rim runners.

Why Cisse isn't 100-percent safe

It seems extremely unlikely that Dallas would cut another player other than Cisse to bring back Powell, considering how loaded their center rotation already is, putting the former Memphis Tiger on the hot seat. Cisse would be the most vulnerable player if the Mavericks want Powell on the 15-man roster, and this battle for one of the backup center spots could be the most pivotal position battle of all.

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