Dallas Mavericks rookie Moussa Cisse began his NBA career by going undrafted at the 2025 NBA Draft before later signing with the Dallas Mavericks. Even with being undrafted, Cisse has been a solid bright spot so far for Dallas this season, but a move that could happen to Anthony Davis this season may impact his game in a way that fans won’t like.

Davis has been in constant rumors to be traded by the Mavericks ahead of the February 5 trade deadline, with a few destinations in mind, such as the Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, and Toronto Raptors. However, getting rid of Davis could hurt Cisse’s development as a rookie in a way that fans don’t even realize.

On Saturday night, Cisse sparkled in his Texas Legends G League debut by recording 16 points and 16 rebounds against the Austin Spurs. Half of Cisse’s rebounds were offensive rebounds, and his energy led to some crucial second-chance points. Cisse was all over the rim and glass, finishing multiple slams off of put-backs and alley-oops, and played great defense on the other end. His athleticism and length allowed him to contest everything around the bucket.

Anthony Davis’ influence on Moussa Cisse runs deep

After his G League debut, Cisse gave Davis some high praise. Cisse began by saying that Davis is his “vet,” then expanded on how he has impacted him over the last few months of being a Maverick.

Moussa Cisse on working with Anthony Davis:

“That’s my vet…We actually got to know each other and we’ve built a relationship. He’s shown me a lot of things, he’s taught me a lot of things…We’re actually finna start working out together. It’s really good. It’s gonna help me a… pic.twitter.com/hgPZ69Y7ZS

— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) December 14, 2025

“We actually got to know each other, and we’ve built a relationship,” Cisse said about Davis. “He’s shown me a lot of things, he’s taught me a lot of things.”

This is what has fans excited about Cisse. Davis has seemingly taken him under his wing, and he is learning from the best as he begins his NBA career.

“We’re actually finna start working out together,” Cisse said. “It’s really good. It’s gonna help me a lot to grow and to learn about basketball.”

Hearing those words may prompt the Mavericks to reconsider not trading Davis, as he is an amazing influence to countless players in the locker room, including Cisse. The fact that Davis has a relationship with a 23-year-old rookie finding his way in the NBA is big, and he deserves credit for this work off the court that usually goes unnoticed. Cisse can learn more and improve his game by working with Davis, who is in his 14th season in the NBA.

If the Mavericks trade Davis, they’d be losing a crucial piece in the locker room who has helped Cisse be one of the best rim-protecting rookie centers in the NBA. Cisse is averaging 1.1 blocks per game for Dallas this season, and his defense has easily been the most impactful part of his game.

On top of that, Davis has been playing much better as of late since returning from injury, and Cisse will be eager to continue to learn more and improve as a rookie this season. Dallas is running low on center depth with Dereck Lively II out for the season, and Daniel Gafford’s nagging ankle injury, and Cisse’s role could expand before we know it.

After his G League debut, Legends head coach Max Hooper said Cisse’s intensity, effort, energy, and activity were “excellent” and “off the charts.” Hooper mentioned he was pleased with Cisse’s performance and also called him a great addition to the Legends.

He has the athleticism, defense, and energy to be a great big man off the bench in Dallas for years to come, and from what it sounds like, Davis has been a key part of his journey so far. With trade rumors swirling, Cisse is in danger of losing his veteran, and this is likely the last thing that he wants as he gets his feet wet in the NBA.