Mavericks' missing Cooper Flagg running mate is emerging this March Madness

The looming 2026 NBA Draft is expected to deliver a crop of blue-chip prospects, and the Dallas Mavericks are well-positioned to land one to pair with reigning No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg. With the Mavericks struggling with inconsistent guard play this season, selecting a point guard should be a top priority. Among the guard prospects to watch during March Madness is the Houston Cougars’ Kingston Flemings.

Kingston Flemings' stock will only rise in March Madness

Flemings poured in 18 points, grabbed six rebounds, dished out four assists, and added two steals in the Cougars’ 78-47 rout of the Idaho Vandals. He showcased his elite efficiency, shooting 8-12 from the field and converting both free throws.

The freshman guard showcased his shot-making prowess against the Vandals, knocking down several pull-up jumpers and attacking the rim with remarkable patience. Kingston didn’t attempt a 3-pointer against Idaho, yet he consistently sank mid-range jumpers with his distinctive elevated shot.

Flemings is in rarified air with his scoring prowess. Few players in today’s NBA are as comfortable stopping and popping from the mid-range as he is. That mid-range ability adds a dimension that sets him apart from many other prospects and even current NBA players.

Flemings projects as a seamless fit in the Mavericks’ backcourt

The Mavericks, for instance, have kept the mid-range shot in their repertoire, attempting the sixth-most in the league at 11.3 per game. However, Dallas converts those looks at the eighth-worst rate in the NBA at 39.5 percent. Adding Flemings would give the Mavericks a player capable of efficiently capitalizing on a shot they already prioritize.

When turning the corner or running a pick-and-roll, Flemings does an excellent job of forcing the help defender to react. While his jump shot is what makes him truly special, he’s also a capable half-court passer, as shown by his four assists against Idaho and 5.3 per game this season. He regularly makes savvy passes that lead to easy buckets, using patience to manipulate defenders into helping.

Dallas runs a bevy of pick-and-rolls, ranking fourth in the league at 20.5 possessions per game. However, they’re one of the least efficient teams in that action, generating just 0.83 points per possession — fifth worst in the NBA. Without Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks’ lack of shifty, downhill attackers becomes glaring, but Flemings would help address that need.

Flagg has been a dominant downhill presence in his rookie season in Dallas, but at 6-foot-9, he operates more like a bull in a china shop, attacking with force rather than with wiggle or patience. Flemings would complement that playstyle well, bringing poise and dexterity as a slasher and creator.

Moreover, on the defensive end, Flemings, standing a sturdy 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds, projects as an ideal backcourt complement to the smaller Irving. While he profiles as a long-term point guard, he has enough size to play alongside Irving or another guard, in the interim before eventually taking over as the floor general of the future.

Flemings’ versatility and advanced offensive game make him a dream prospect, one who would fit seamlessly alongside Flagg for the future. Mavericks fans will likely see plenty more of Flemings this tournament, as he and the No. 2 Cougars face the No. 10 Texas A&M Aggies in the second round, with a deep run potentially still ahead.