The Dallas Mavericks continue to face an injury crisis in the frontcourt. Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford are all sidelined for the foreseeable future, leaving the team dangerously thin at the center position. Even Dwight Powell, who has been sidelined for over a month due to a hip strain, appears to be progressing meaningfully but remains unavailable for game action.
Seeking reinforcements, the Mavericks worked out and conducted standard testing with Moses Brown on Wednesday, sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com. Brown is expected to sign a 10-day contract and be available to play Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans, giving Dallas a much-needed big-body option in the paint.
Moses Brown Would Bring the Necessary Size to the Dallas Mavericks
Brown briefly played for the Indiana Pacers earlier this season during a similar frontcourt injury emergency. He’s spent most of his season with the Westchester Knicks in the G League, where he has been highly productive, averaging 15.9 points, 14.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks across 29.2 minutes per game.
While the Mavericks recently signed Kylor Kelley to a two-way contract to bolster their depth, Kelley doesn’t offer the same imposing physical presence that Brown brings.
Brown’s strength and rebounding instincts could be valuable in providing stability during a stretch where Dallas needs size and availability.
Depending on how the injuries to Davis, Lively, and Gafford develop, the Mavericks will eventually need to determine whether a more permanent roster solution is necessary. Any significant addition would require Dallas to exceed the first apron, a move that would likely only be considered if the team remains firmly in playoff contention after the All-Star break.
The Mavericks currently have sufficient ongoing injury issues to qualify for a hardship exception, but league rules stipulate that a team must have 15 players on standard contracts before applying. Dallas still only has 14 players signed, making it ineligible for now unless another roster move is made.
