5 Underrated Centers the Mavericks Should Have Signed Instead of Moses Brown…
The Dallas Mavericks finally caught a break after weeks of frustration, as the post-All-Star break news cycle brought them some relief. On Thursday morning, the team signed former Maverick Moses Brown to a 10-day contract. However, due to salary cap restrictions, they can’t offer a veteran’s minimum contract until late March.
Brown, a 7-foot-2 center, brings valuable rim protection and lob-finishing ability, having improved his touch around the basket. Despite his progress, he remains a limited offensive player, and while he has gained strength since his previous stint with Dallas in the 2021-22 season, he’s unlikely to be a game-changer for the Mavericks.
His role is more of a stopgap measure while the team awaits Anthony Davis’ return, with the star big man expected to be re-evaluated in two weeks. This timeline is encouraging, considering some feared Davis might be out until the playoffs. Given this update, he could be back in action by early-to-mid March.
5 Centers the Mavericks Should Have Considered Instead of Moses Brown
Dallas must navigate at least the next two weeks without Davis, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Lively II, and they haven’t provided a timeline for Dwight Powell’s return from a hip strain. With their frontcourt depleted, the team could have explored better temporary options at center.
Though Brown is an intriguing 25-year-old with impressive length, his offensive game remains unproven. Several other free-agent big men may have been better fits. Here are five centers the Mavericks should have signed instead of Brown.
5. Robin Lopez
At 36, Robin Lopez would have added veteran experience to an already seasoned Mavericks roster. Though he hasn’t played since being waived by the Kings post-trade deadline, his physicality, rebounding, and screen-setting could have been valuable.
While he may not have the same energy as his twin brother Brook, Lopez’s size and savvy make him a solid situational player. His occasional three-point shooting would have also been useful for a team lacking floor-spacing bigs, even if his rim protection isn’t what it once was.
4. Armando Bacot
A March Madness fan favorite, Armando Bacot has been thriving in the G League. At 6-foot-10, he offers a strong interior presence and soft touch around the rim. Though not an elite shot-blocker, he has addressed some of the concerns that hurt his NBA Draft stock, such as his lack of mobility and three-point shooting.
Bacot, now 24, went undrafted largely due to these limitations. However, he has shown improvement with the Memphis Hustle, averaging 1.1 steals and 1.4 blocks per game in 16 contests. Dallas could have taken a low-risk flyer on him instead of opting for the more familiar Brown.
3. Udoka Azubuike
Similar to Brown in terms of limited NBA experience, Udoka Azubuike has yet to receive a real opportunity but possesses more translatable skills. Standing at 7 feet and 270 pounds, Azubuike combines size with solid athleticism—particularly as a lob threat and rim protector.
While not an elite athlete by modern NBA standards, he has a capable post game and decent face-up skills. His best stretch came with the Utah Jazz in 2021-22, when he averaged 4.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks in just 11.5 minutes per game. Currently playing in Montenegro’s top league, he remains an intriguing prospect.
2. James Wiseman
Despite being waived by the Raptors, former second-overall pick James Wiseman is the most high-upside player on this list. Once seen as a prototype for a modern two-way center, his collegiate career at Memphis was cut short after just three games due to eligibility issues.
Though injuries have stalled his NBA development, Wiseman still flashes the physical tools that made him such a coveted prospect. A torn meniscus, sprained ankle, and Achilles injury have derailed his career, but at just 23, he could be a valuable reclamation project once Dallas can sign multi-year deals.
Brown may be the better short-term solution, but Wiseman’s long-term potential makes him a name to watch.
1. Mo Bamba
The most established player on this list, Mo Bamba would have been a clear upgrade over Brown. At 26 and in his seventh season, Bamba has steadily improved his strength and defensive awareness.
Though he hasn’t expanded his offensive repertoire significantly, his length and shot-blocking remain valuable. In just 12.6 minutes per game with the Clippers this season, he averaged 4.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.0 block.
Even if Bamba never becomes a star, he is a more polished and versatile player than Brown and still holds more potential despite their similar age.
