Cooper Flagg has already given Mavericks a massive problem for next season

The wait is finally over as the Dallas Mavericks and Cooper Flagg took the court for the very first time as a member of the Mavericks in the NBA's Las Vegas Summer League. While Flagg didn't have the most productive night in his first game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night, from the opening tip, it was clear to see how Flagg became the consensus No. 1 overall pick and how his game will impact Dallas.

While Flagg may not have shot the ball well, as he ended the night 5/21 from the field, his constant lockdown defense created multiple fast break attempts that resulted in plenty of opportunities on the offensive end for the Mavericks. Although Flagg struggled from the field, it was easy to see how he can impact the NBA level on both ends of the floor.

Flagg will no doubt continue to work on his game, as he could play one more time in the Summer League against Dylan Harper and the San Antonio Spurs, but fans couldn't help but notice how Flagg's addition to the Mavericks, and how well he played in his first professional game, will likely mean a fan-favorite player will get bounced to the bench in favor of Flagg.

Flagg becoming a starter likely means P.J. Washington will come off bench

Since joining the Mavericks at the 2024 trade deadline, Washington has been a difference maker on both ends of the floor, even after Luka Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Washington hasn't just become a reliable starter in Dallas, but he has quickly become a fan favorite due to his roots growing up in the DFW area, and the high level of energy he plays every night with.

With Flagg now in the picture, fans were uncertain if Washington was willing to come back to Dallas due to Flagg likely taking his starting role, and with Washington being eligible for a contract extension this summer. While all signs are pointing towards the Mavericks wanting to keep and extend Washington, it could come at the cost of his starting spot.

Throughout his time in Dallas, Washington has become an impactful starter, but with Flagg soon taking his spot, Washington will need to embrace his role off the bench. By no means is Washington a bench player as he could start on just about any roster in the NBA, but Jason Kidd has sent a clear message to the league that he wants to play big, and Flagg is just too good not to have in a starting role.

Off the bench, Washington will likely play a similar role as he did in the starting lineup and likely won't lose many minutes due to Kidd's defensive philosophy. Washington has proven over a season and a half in Dallas that he will do anything it takes to win, and while he may not end games on the bench, it's hard to see the Mavericks playing both Flagg and Washington on top of Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II, or Daniel Gafford who are already pictured in as starters as well.

The Mavericks will have plenty of tough decisions to make this upcoming season, but it might start with asking Washington to come off the bench if he wishes to have a future in Dallas. The Mavericks are no doubt building for the future, and at just 26 years old, Washington fits the age range to be a building block in Dallas for years to come.