Mavericks’ Risky Moses Brown Signing Leaves Them Vulnerable
As the All-Star break wraps up, the Dallas Mavericks are preparing for a strong push toward the NBA Playoffs. Despite an up-and-down season, they hold a 30-26 record and are hoping to get their injured players back in time for the final stretch.
The return of Dwight Powell is promising, giving the team more options at center. P.J. Washington’s ankle injury appears less severe than Daniel Gafford’s knee issue, meaning Washington could be back soon, as he was listed as questionable before the break.
However, the Mavericks’ attempt to address their lack of depth at center could backfire if injuries continue to pile up.
Mavericks’ Roster Flexibility Limited by Brown’s Contract
To address their frontcourt struggles, the Mavericks plan to sign Moses Brown to a 10-day contract. This will mark Brown’s second stint with Dallas, having briefly played for the team during the 2021-22 season.
However, this move comes with a cost—the Mavericks will be unable to sign another player until April 10. Given their current roster challenges, this decision carries significant risk. The team is banking on Brown to provide size and rim protection, but regardless of his performance, they will be locked into their current roster afterward.
Dallas has already endured a brutal season with injuries. If Washington or Powell were to go down again, the situation could turn disastrous. The team is simply trying to hold on and hope for better health by April.
The signing of Kylor Kelley to a two-way deal was meant to bolster depth at center, but head coach Jason Kidd has not shown much trust in him, limiting his playing time. Even when Kelley was the only active big man, he saw minimal minutes.
There is some optimism for Brown, given his prior experience with the team. However, his production during his first stint in Dallas was limited, averaging just 6.5 minutes over 26 games. The positive news is that he has improved since then, putting up impressive numbers in the G League, averaging 15.6 points and 15.1 rebounds for the Westchester Knicks this season.
For now, the Mavericks will be hoping for the quick return of Powell and Washington, as Gafford and Dereck Lively II may not be available until April.
