“I Enjoy the Process”: How Moussa Cissé Has Emerged as a Valuable Two-Way Contributor for the Mavericks
Moussa Cissé arrived in Dallas on an Exhibit 10 contract, projected as a long-term developmental piece. Instead, early-season injuries pushed the 7-footer into meaningful rotation minutes, and he has responded with defense, physicality, and steady growth.
The Mavericks later converted him to a two-way contract, giving the organization flexibility to continue developing him in both the NBA and G League.
Cissé has appeared in 15 games this season, averaging 3.3 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks. His early opportunities produced several standout moments. He recorded four points, nine rebounds and a career-high four blocks in 15 minutes against Phoenix on Nov. 12, followed by a 10-point, 10-rebound performance against Minnesota on Nov. 17.
He also made his first NBA start while Daniel Gafford was sidelined, stepping into the middle of the rotation at a time when the Mavericks were without multiple frontcourt players.
Energy, Effort, and Early Trust
Cissé’s impact is built on effort, and head coach Jason Kidd said that is the first thing the team felt when he began earning minutes.
“Moussa has been really good for us… With the minute restriction on Gaff, the energy he brings to the team spreads quickly in the game,” Kidd said. “His hustle, his effort, I compare him to Cooper, because he competes at a high level and doesn’t stop and tries to do all the things to win… being able to come up with big plays, blocking shots, coming up with offensive rebounds and giving us second opportunities.”
Veteran center Dereck Lively II, who has offered guidance along the way, described Cissé as someone whose presence lifts the group.
“Amazing. He brings effort and energy. Runs up and down, blocks shots, talks, picks guys up on the floor or the bench. Always energy.”
Cissé said those habits have been essential as he adapts to the NBA’s speed, spacing and physical demands.
“There’s a lot of things I learned — the pace, the placement, how to put myself in position to be successful on the court,” he told Ratings. “Most definitely pick-and-roll coverages and the physicality. Most of the centers have been in the league for a long time. So coming in as a young guy, you have to adapt to that physicality.”
Part of that learning curve comes from defending guards who play with varied pacing and scoring threats. He said adjusting to those matchups requires daily study.
“It’s kind of difficult. It is just like being able to study — being in the film room, trying to figure out how the guard plays,” Cissé said. “It depends who you play. Some guards are fast, some guards play at their own pace. So you gotta watch film and try to study their game.”
Defensive Upside Drawing Early Attention
As Dallas leaned on its young frontcourt, Cooper Flagg said it became clear how much Cissé’s effort shaped the energy of a lineup.
“Moussa plays so hard. I love playing with him. He’s everywhere. He’s a freak athlete,” Flagg said. “Sometimes he’s not even thinking — but he’s just making plays, he’s not scared. He’s fearless. He’s a freak athlete who plays incredibly hard. It’s a great combination. We’re going to get him up to speed with coverages, but you can’t teach how hard he plays. Every possession, working as hard as he can. That’s going to be huge for us.”
League evaluators have noticed the same explosiveness. One NBA scout monitoring Cissé’s development said his tools immediately stand out and give him a chance to become a real defensive asset.
“He’s a bit undersized at the five, but he’s explosive and plays extremely hard,” the scout said. “He’s a bit further along than I expected, but there’s still plenty of work there. You can tell he’s still getting used to guarding NBA actions and talent — his angles can use some work. But he’s really dynamic rotating from the weak side and he’s going to crash the boards hard on both ends. I like his potential.”
Cissé said his defensive mindset remains the foundation of his game and something he brings every night.
“I love playing defense,” he said. “I want to block every shot, and I alter a lot of shots. So I feel like that plays a big part.”
A second scout noted that Dallas’s frontcourt injuries have only amplified the value of internal depth.
“Their bigs are going to miss games. Moussa reminds me of how Kai Jones stepped in and made an impact for them last season. He was a great find that they’ll need to keep around.”
Finding His Place Offensively
Cissé said developing consistency on the offensive end has been another focus during his early-season minutes, particularly in screening angles, timing and pressure on the rim.
“It’s just like me being able to use my athleticism and then set a good screen and roll hard,” he said. “And then the guards are looking for me.”
A league scout offered a similar perspective when evaluating Cissé’s long-term offensive profile.
“His offensive game is simple but he’s an explosive lob threat. As long as he’s setting great screens and ready to finish when he’s rolling or filling the dunker, he’s an asset for a team.”
Cissé said the game has slowed down for him as he’s grown more comfortable with spacing and offensive positioning.
“Probably my placement and knowing where I’m at on the court,” he said. “Little things. Making sure to make them a good screen to give them space. Me re-running, putting pressure on the rim — that opens it up for other guys.”
Off the Court and Inside the Locker Room
Cissé said he has leaned heavily on three teammates — Ryan Nembhard, Miles Kelly and Cooper Flagg — as he adjusts to life in Dallas and the day-to-day of the NBA.
“The young guys — Ryan, Miles, Coop. Usually young guys stick together. So I feel like that’s been one of the things,” he said.
He also credits Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford and the rest of the veteran bigs for offering constant teaching points during games and practices.
“They always talk to me. They know I’m going to make mistakes, so they try to correct the little things right away,” Cissé said. “As soon as I come out of the game, they tell me: do this, do that. Especially the fouling — they tell me a lot about that. Placement, being low, being patient. They talk to me a lot, and that helps me a lot.”
Background and Outlook
Cissé played at Memphis, Oklahoma State and Ole Miss, earning AAC Freshman of the Year and Big 12 All-Defensive honors before going undrafted in 2025. Dallas signed him to an Exhibit 10 deal that was later converted to a two-way contract, and he has since given them a capable, energetic interior presence during a stretch when their frontcourt depth has been tested.
With his rim protection, activity and rapid development, Cissé has positioned himself as both a valuable depth option now and a longer-term developmental piece for a team that has leaned heavily on its young contributors.
“I enjoy the process,” Cissé said. “I face different players every night, so it’s fun. That’s what I’m here for.”