Mavericks have uncovered the cheat code every NBA team is still trying to solve

The Dallas Mavericks have quietly mastered the ability to find high-level players on two-way contracts. Not only is this something every NBA team is striving to do with any two-way contract they sign, but the Mavericks have found multiple hidden gems who are competing at a high level for the Mavericks' roster on a two-way contract.

It's not common that a team hits on multiple two-way players in multiple seasons, but the Mavericks have found a way to turn gambles into successful players nearly every time. Whether it's with Brandon Williams or Ryan Nembhard, who both earned standard contracts after being on a two-way contract to open their career, or it's finding undrafted gems such as Moussa Cisse, Dallas' scouting department has one-upped every other team.

Two-way contracts are the Mavericks' hidden cheat code

Finding any way to gain players who can impact any rotation in the NBA is not only hard to find but extremely rare. It's not very often that a team can find one or even multiple players who can impact their franchise's future on a two-way contract, but Dallas has quietly become the league leader in hidden gems found.

While it was surprising to see Nembhard go undrafted after the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft concluded, the Mavericks were quick to sign the NCAA assist leader to a two-way contract and allow him to prove his worth. Not only would Nembhard become an instant hit once he received a solid amount of playing time, but he also earned a place on Dallas' 15-man roster due to his impressive play.

Nembhard not only looked like a steal right away, but the Mavericks had also just converted Williams from a two-way deal to a standard contract after he had been on a two-way deal for most of the season prior. Together, Williams and Nembhard added much-needed depth to Dallas' thin guard rotation, but more importantly, they look like pro-ready guards.

The Mavericks' scouting edge could reshape their draft night

After signing Nembhard, the Mavericks were quick to jump the gun on former first-round pick Tyler Smith and sharpshooter John Poulakidos, who have impressed early in their Mavericks careers. While it's still very early to tell if either Poulakidos or Smith will work out in Dallas, fans should have a strong hope for what the future may entail.

With an important draft ahead of Dallas' future, there is certainty that the franchise's scouting department has been looking at all options, and fans shouldn't be worried that the team will mess up their draft pick. If Dallas' draft night goes anything like their two-way contract search has gone over the past few seasons, the Mavericks may be drafting a sure-fire star.

With the draft still months away, the Mavericks have continued to hit on two-way contracts. While Cisse hasn't played in a long time, he has still outshone his current contract, and there is reason to believe that a player like Poulakidas could do the same with his fit alongside Cooper Flagg.