As the NBA All-Star break approached, it became evident that the Dallas Mavericks’ center rotation was unsustainable. Kessler Edwards was handling most of the center minutes, and although the team won four of its last five games before the break, a roster adjustment was necessary.
With Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, Dwight Powell, and Anthony Davis all sidelined due to injuries, Kylor Kelley was the only healthy center on the roster. However, he had yet to earn Jason Kidd’s trust as a consistent rotation player. To address this, the Mavericks signed Moses Brown to a 10-day contract on Thursday, and he is set to make his debut tonight against the New Orleans Pelicans.
This marks Brown’s second stint with Dallas, having played 26 games for the team in the 2021-22 season, where he averaged 3.1 points and 2.3 rebounds per game while shooting 54 percent from the field. Given the Mavericks’ desperate need for size, Kidd appears eager to utilize the 7-foot-2 big man over the next ten days.
Jason Kidd Plans to Utilize Moses Brown Immediately
Kidd confirmed that Brown will play in tonight’s game against New Orleans, signaling a shift in the Mavericks’ approach. Up until now, Kelley—Dallas’ only other available center—had logged just five total minutes over the last two games, with most of the center duties falling to Edwards. That dynamic is set to change with Brown’s arrival.
“With the proper minutes, I think he can give you a double-double,” Kidd said regarding Brown. “He can score and rebound for you, and so if he does get into the teens of playing, he can fill up the stat sheet.”
Kidd noted that he was impressed with Brown’s performance in his first practice back with the team. Given that Kidd also coached Brown during his previous stint with Dallas, he is already familiar with the big man’s playing style and seems confident that he can contribute immediately.
While Brown may not see extensive minutes right away, it is clear that he will play a role. The Mavericks need a strong interior presence, and Brown fits that mold.
So far this season in the G League, Brown has averaged 15.6 points, 15.2 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game while shooting 58.1 percent from the field. His finishing ability has improved since his last time with Dallas, making it likely that he will surpass Kelley in the rotation.
Dallas’ decision to sign Brown suggests he will have some role during this stretch of injuries, but it could also indicate that one of their sidelined bigs is close to returning.
Among the injured centers, Powell appears to be the closest to making a comeback, as he was reportedly working out in Miami over the All-Star break. However, he has not yet returned to full-contact practice. Kidd mentioned that Powell only participated in non-contact drills during Thursday’s session but seems to be progressing faster than Gafford, Lively II, or Davis, who are all scheduled for reevaluation on March 6.
