NBA Notes: Mavericks, Moussa Cisse, Blazers, Scoot Henderson, Bucks

Mavericks

The Mavericks continue to make it clear they like what they have in young center Moussa Cisse.

Dallas will match the Knicks’ offer sheet for the restricted free agent, per ESPN’s Shams Charania, ensuring Cisse remains with the team after an encouraging rookie season.

The 23-year-old averaged 4.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 38 games after earning a roster spot out of training camp.

Meanwhile, the Mavericks may not be done making moves.

According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, Dallas continues to explore the trade market for center Daniel Gafford and he’s considered “likely” to be moved following conversations around Summer League.

With Dereck Lively II, newly acquired Santi Aldama, first-round pick Morez Johnson Jr. and now Cisse all in the frontcourt mix, the Mavericks suddenly have plenty of depth inside.

Dallas, of course, also just acquired Zaccharie Risacher from the Hawks. We have that full story here and the follow-up here.

Trail Blazers

Scoot Henderson is preparing to play for his third head coach in less than a year, but new coach Micah Nori already has a vision for getting the most out of the former No. 3 overall pick.

Speaking to Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report, Nori said the priority is creating space for Henderson to attack the basket while helping him improve his pace and decision-making.

“We’ve got to make sure we create space for him,” Nori said. “The thing he can do is attack the paint and get downhill.”

Henderson’s role could look different this season following Portland’s addition of Ja Morant to a backcourt that already includes Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday. But Nori believes Henderson is capable of thriving both on and off the ball thanks to the team’s willingness to share it.

Bucks

First impressions couldn’t have gone much better for rookie Brayden Burries.

The No. 10 overall pick out of Arizona capped an impressive Las Vegas Summer League by scoring 27 points, including the game-winning basket, in Saturday’s victory over the 76ers.

As Eric Nehm of The Athletic noted, Burries averaged 23.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists while committing just three turnovers in four Summer League games.

Bucks assistant coach Patrick St. Andrews said Burries’ maturity has stood out as much as his talent.

“You can feel his maturity for his age,” St. Andrews said. “And then obviously, you see the talent.”

Burries is expected to play a significant role as Milwaukee begins a new era following the trade that sent Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Heat.

MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position