The Dallas Mavericks' recent winning streak and the rise in Dwight Powell's playing time have held them back from their ability to get started on their potential tank early.
For starters, Dallas has won four of their last five games, something fans didn't expect by any means. One player who is part of the team's success is Powell. The backup center has stepped up in the absence of Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, and Anthony Davis. However, Powell's minutes are holding Moussa Cisse back from getting needed development.
The two-way center has proven his value every time Jason Kidd calls his number. He has been a vital piece to Dallas, as they are currently thin in the frontcourt. He could be the Mavs' answer at the starting center spot while Anthony Davis nurses a hand injury if Kidd decides to send Powell to the bench. His youth and athleticism shouldn't be ignored, as it's clear he should be starting at center if Dallas is real about trying to tank.
Dallas can't tank without prioritizing Moussa Cisse
So why is coach Jason Kidd ignoring the two-way center? How come the Mavs' coach is giving Powell significant playing time, while Cisse isn't playing as much?
If the Mavericks are serious about developing players for the future, then they should give Cisse more playing time. It would allow the young center to develop his game and skills while Dallas starts their rebuild process around Cooper Flagg.
Remember, Cisse is currently on a two-way contract, as he is allowed to be active for 50 games. So, Kidd and the Mavericks mustn't take this lightly, as they must give him as much playing time as allowed. If he's active, he needs to be playing big minutes.
Cisse is a young, athletic center who has proven the need for more playing time. He is an elite defender who can make things difficult for opponents, as he isn't afraid to battle around the bucket and protect the rim. Not to mention, his impact on the court is a step up from Powell.
The best part of his game is his strong rim protector. Moussa has a ton of youthful energy, which translates to success in paint. His high intensity and defensive intangibles translate to elite shot blocking and hustle inside. He is an all-around center who does the right things to help Dallas succeed.
So again, it's clear he is a better option than Powell. Yet, Kidd continues to give Powell starting minutes, despite Moussa proving his worth.
For example, against the New York Knicks on Martin Luther King Day, Moussa outplayed Powell significantly, showing the need to make him a starter. The two-way center finished the game with 15 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks. This was a major upgrade from Powell, who had two points and five rebounds in 28 minutes.
Moussa was all over the place in the game, as he was catching lobs and hustling for loose balls inside. Not to mention, he was a defensive anchor who made things extremely difficult for New York in the paint. His presence alone helped set the tone, and he altered the game singlehandedly. Dallas just seems to play with more energy when he's on the floor, and they need to explore getting him more involved.
This is just one of many examples that prove Cisse's high value to the team. His development is something Dallas can't ignore, as Kidd must provide the young center with ample playing time. This starts with giving him the nod at the center spot soon.
So, what is Dallas waiting for? If the team really hopes to tank before the end of the season, then they should give Cisse more minutes than Powell. He has already shown why Dallas needs to make roster space for him, as Moussa is outperforming his two-way contract.
The Mavericks are already planning to convert his two-way deal to a standard contract, giving Kidd even more of a reason to give him more playing time.
The time to start building for the future is now. While it all begins with Cooper Flagg, giving Moussa Cissse more of a marquee role in the rotation is a great step as well.
