Before Monday’s game, Cooper Flagg and Khris Middleton were spending time working on post‑ups at the Dallas Mavericks’ practice facility. It was one of the many examples throughout the regular flow of the season in which a veteran like Middleton could offer wisdom to help the franchise’s future grow.
Middleton’s in his 14th year now, a three‑time All‑Star, and he’s become one of the veterans Flagg naturally gravitates toward. Dallas acquired him at the deadline in the Anthony Davis trade, and since then, the two have found an easy rhythm with each other.
“He’s great,” Flagg said after Monday’s 137–131 overtime loss to Golden State. “I’ve learned a lot from Khris. He’s a professional scorer and has been around the league for a long time. I’m trying to take parts of that side of the game from him and learn in those aspects. He has a lot to teach me, so I’m excited to be able to learn from him.”
Jason Kidd filled in some details about what they were actually working on.
“They were just talking about the pressure and knowing how to release pressure,” Kidd said. “Khris has given him some of his wisdom on what he has used to be successful down there in the post. For Khris, his wisdom — he’s a champion, he’s played the game at the highest level. For him to spend time with Cooper and help him as he goes forward.”
Middleton has made a career out of the little things in the post — reading help, creating contact, knowing when to go and when to wait. In 20 games with Dallas, he’s averaging 11.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists while shooting 38.5% from deep and 90.9% at the line, giving the Mavericks a dependable mismatch option.
At 6‑foot‑9, Flagg already has the frame to bully smaller defenders whenever Dallas gets the switch it wants. Sixty games in, he’s averaging 20.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists on 47.2 percent shooting — and he’s hit double figures in 57 of those nights. However, if he can become even more effective at patiently using timing to relieve pressure and get his shot off on turnaround jumpers, fadeaways, or counters like step-through, he’ll become incredibly challenging to stop.
“Having veterans is huge,” Warriors guard De’Anthony Melton said. “This league can wear on you, so having guys who’ve been through it gives you someone to lean on. Even for me, I still go to older players for advice. It’s important to have the right vets in the locker room—guys who can guide you through challenges.”
Flagg has leaned on the older guys all year — through the injuries, the losing streak, and the nights where he’s had to set the tone for a rebuilding group.
“I just lean on my teammates, the guys who have had long careers and been in the league a long time,” Flagg said after Saturday’s overtime loss to the Clippers. “They’ve helped keep me sane through this entire process, for sure.”
Ten games left. Those shootaround reps won’t show up in a box score, but they all add up.
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