Mavericks Add Defensive Depth with Moussa Cissé Two-Way Deal
The Mavericks have secured Moussa Cissé on a two-way contract, aiming to strengthen their defensive versatility and roster depth. Cissé’s length and shot-blocking potential could help Dallas’ rotation in limited minutes.
Moussa Cissé joins the Mavericks with a two-way contract to bolster the team’s defensive depth. Courtesy of Dallas Mavericks YouTube Page
Following a successful preseason, the Dallas Mavericks made a strategic roster move by converting center Moussa Cissé to a two-way contract today. The team kept financial terms confidential while enforcing standard organizational policy by announcing the signing.
Preseason Performance Opens Door
Cissé’s defensive prowess in Dallas’s preseason slate helped him reach a two-way contract. The 6-foot-10, 230-pound center showed his impressive rim protection in three exhibition games. Despite his modest offensive numbers of six points and 12 rebounds, his team-leading seven blocks remained impressive, which indicated his potential value as a defensive specialist. Cissé’s shot-blocking ability addresses a clear need for the Mavericks team to increase its defensive presence. He was given the chance to continue his development while maintaining organizational flexibility through the two-way structure, thanks to his performance.
A Journey Across Three Programs
A native of Conakry, Guinea, took an unusual path to professional basketball, spending five years in three major college programs. Memphis marked the beginning of his journey, where he made an immediate impact as a freshman in 2021. By earning AAC Freshman of the Year honors and helping the Tigers win the NIT championship, Cissé established himself as one of the premier young defensive prospects in the nation.
Cissé moved to Oklahoma State to pursue new challenges, where his reputation as a defensive anchor was truly established. Over two seasons with the Cowboys, he earned Big 12 All-Defensive Team recognition both years, a testament to his consistency and impact on that end of the floor. His standing as one of the conference’s most feared rim protectors was cemented in 2022 when he was named Big 12 Co-Defensive Player of the Year. After a five-year career that saw him grow from a promising first-year student to a decorated defensive specialist, Ole Miss was his final college stop.
Two-Way Contract Provides Opportunity
Dallas can develop Cissé by linking up with their NBA roster and their G League affiliate, the Texas Legends, through the two-way designation. The Mavericks can benefit from the organizational depth provided by this arrangement, while Cissé can refine his offensive game and adjust to the professional level. Having a developing big man who can protect the rim is valuable insurance for a Dallas team with championship aspirations. Cissé’s defensive instincts and shot-blocking timing—skills that earned him conference player of the year recognition—translate well to the NBA game, even if other aspects of his play require polish. Dallas’s commitment to building depth through player development is also evident in the move, as they utilize the two-way system to identify potential rotation pieces and maintain a flexible roster. Cissé’s intriguing project is a result of his international background and decorated college career, which demonstrate clear NBA-level skills. Cissé was initially signed on July 8 as the team evaluated summer roster options, but now he has the chance to prove his worth at the highest level of basketball. The Mavericks are betting that his preseason performance was just a glimpse of what’s possible, given his defensive credentials.
