Mavericks Face Tough Decisions as Two-Way Standouts Ryan Nembhard and Moussa Cisse Shine Early
The Dallas Mavericks have a good problem on their hands - their two-way players are outperforming expectations. Ryan Nembhard and Moussa Cisse have been nothing short of impressive since the start of the season, showing poise, energy, and readiness that belies their contract status. But with the NBA’s two-way contract rules capping active appearances at 50 regular-season games, the Mavericks are already staring down a roster crunch that could force some tough decisions - and soon.
Let’s start with Cisse. The 7-footer out of Memphis has been a revelation.
He’s brought rim protection, rebounding, and a level of physicality that’s been crucial for Dallas, especially with Dereck Lively II sidelined for the season. Cisse has suited up for all 27 games so far, which means he’s already burned through more than half of his two-way eligibility - with 55 games still left on the schedule.
That’s a problem.
The Mavericks have leaned heavily on Cisse, and it’s easy to see why. He’s played with the kind of energy and defensive presence that’s hard to find, let alone develop on the fly. But if Dallas keeps rolling him out every night, they’ll hit that 50-game limit well before the stretch run - and potentially before the playoff push even begins.
That looming deadline puts the front office in a bind. They can try to pace his appearances - maybe sit him for 10 or so games and stash him with the Texas Legends in the G League - or they can find a way to convert his two-way deal into a standard NBA contract.
The latter is easier said than done. Creating one roster spot is hard enough.
Creating two - for both Cisse and Nembhard - is a whole different challenge.
Speaking of Nembhard, the rookie guard has already played his way into nightly rotation minutes. He’s looked comfortable running the offense, making smart reads, and defending his position.
The Mavericks clearly see him as a long-term piece, and there’s already a path being carved out to get him onto the 15-man roster. Whether that’s via trade or by waiving a veteran like Dante Exum, it’s clear Nembhard is a priority.
But Cisse? He’s in a tougher spot.
While his impact is undeniable, especially given the Mavericks’ depleted frontcourt, his path to a full-time roster spot is murkier. And that’s where things get complicated.
If Dallas wants to keep Cisse eligible for the stretch run - when every rebound, block, and possession counts - they’ll need to start managing his minutes now. That might mean some DNPs.
It might mean a stint in the G League. But burning through his eligibility by January would be a costly misstep.
This rookie class has been one of the most exciting in recent memory for Dallas. Cooper Flagg’s historic 40-point game at age 18 turned heads league-wide.
Nembhard has been rock solid. And Cisse has been a spark plug in the paint.
All three have quickly become fan favorites - and for good reason.
But the NBA doesn’t hand out extra games for good vibes. The rules are the rules, and the Mavericks are already halfway through Cisse’s two-way clock.
If they want him available down the stretch - when matchups tighten and rotations shrink - they’ll need to act fast. That could mean making a tough roster call now to avoid an even tougher one later.
Bottom line: the Mavericks have two young players outperforming their contracts. That’s a win.
But if Dallas wants to turn that into wins on the court when it matters most, they’ll need to navigate the next few weeks with precision. Because if Cisse keeps playing like this, the last thing the Mavericks want is to be watching him from the sidelines when they need him most.