The Mavericks' perfect Cooper Flagg running mate isn't who you expect

Amidst winning their best game of the season versus the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons, the best two players for the Mavericks in this game were arguably P.J. Washington and Cooper Flagg, and it's becoming clear that Dallas' two promising wings could form a tantalizing duo for the foreseeable future. Everyone following the league knows the 18-year-old Flagg has star potential, but Washington is starting to prove he could be a fringe star as well, which was largely unexpected.

Washington has been a stud on both ends of the floor this season, and his driving ability and 3-point shooting have been as polished as ever. For the season, Washington is averaging 16.2 points (a career high as of right now), 7.9 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game. Between Washington and Flagg, both players impact the game from a holistic standpoint, and they are thriving on the court together despite initial doubts over their fit.

Former GM Nico Harrison asked Washington if he thought he could play alongside Flagg in the offseason, and Washington had no doubts about being able to gel with Flagg on the court. Both Washington and Flagg are shooting below league average from outside this season, yet they've been pretty efficient while on the court together recently, as they both have great in-between games and are great finishers at the rim.

P.J. Washington is becoming Cooper Flagg's most reliable running mate

Washington is 27 years old, so while he may not be Flagg's running mate from a long-term perspective, he definitely could be his partner for the next few seasons, granted he stays in Dallas. Flagg is poised to only get better over the next few seasons as well, which will eventually open up spacing for Washington and Dallas' other ball handlers, as defenses will be throwing wild schemes at Flagg once he's able to add a 3-point shot to his game.

Whenever Kyrie Irving returns to the lineup for Dallas, Flagg and Washington's skillsets will be accentuated playing alongside another dynamic ball handler/shot creator, which likely will only increase their offensive production. Both being bigger-bodied and lengthier wings, Washington and Flagg are already forming one of the best wing duos in the league from a defensive perspective, so talk about them as an overall duo will only increase if they can increase their offensive output a little.

Washington has continued to add a little bit more to his offensive bag every season since he's been in Dallas, which has been surprising considering he's nearing what most players would consider to be their prime. Washington doesn't have the three-level scoring ability to be a bona fide All-Star in the league, but he could certainly finagle his way onto the All-Star team in the next handful of seasons if Dallas has a great record by the break and he's playing like this still.

With Flagg having clear superstar potential, and Washington blossoming into his peak form on both ends of the floor this season, the immediate future is looking bright in Dallas, regardless of how this season plays out. Many expected Dereck Lively II to be Flagg's long-time running mate, but given Lively II's injuries and Washington's production this season, it's starting to look like Washington may be that guy.