Southwest Division Roundup: Dallas Evaluates Bagley, Flagg Still Sidelined, Coward’s Leadership, Plumlee Eyes Spurs Role
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Dallas, TX — With Kyrie Irving ruled out for the remainder of the season, the Mavericks are treating the closing stretch as a chance to assess their roster, particularly impending free agents. One player drawing attention is forward Marvin Bagley III, acquired from Washington in the Anthony Davis deal and headed for unrestricted free agency this summer.
Bagley has logged 13.5 points and 8.8 rebounds across six games off the bench, producing three double-doubles and averaging 3.7 offensive boards. Head coach Jason Kidd praised the 26-year-old’s maturity, saying, “He’s a grown-up and understands the NBA game a little bit.” Bagley’s energy contrasts with Dallas’ traditional centers Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford, giving the club a different look in the paint. A new deal that keeps him as a reserve big is viewed internally as potentially beneficial for both sides.
Mavericks Injury Update
Rookie forward Cooper Flagg will miss his fifth straight game Thursday against the Kings because of a midfoot sprain, the team announced. The 65-game requirement does not apply to the Rookie of the Year award, so Flagg’s candidacy remains unaffected, according to league insider Marc Stein.
Memphis Looks to Cedric Coward
After trading Jaren Jackson Jr. for draft capital and with Ja Morant’s future uncertain, the Grizzlies are searching for a new franchise face. Staffers believe rookie wing Cedric Coward could eventually fill that role. “He’s a very mature kid for his age,” head coach Tuomas Iisalo said. Although sidelined since early February, Coward remains vocal during games and practices. “The title doesn’t mean anything to me,” the 20-year-old noted. “You just try to make the best of whatever situation it is.”
Plumlee Ready for Limited Spurs Minutes
Veteran center Mason Plumlee, nearing his 36th birthday, is inactive while completing return-to-competition reconditioning with San Antonio. Aware that his role will be small, Plumlee said, “I’ve seen guys check in for five minutes and turn a game around. That’s the way I look at it.” He added that he has long admired the Spurs’ organizational approach dating back to their championship runs early in his career.
Dallas continues its evaluation phase Thursday against Sacramento, while Memphis and San Antonio keep monitoring their young and veteran pieces as the Southwest Division reshapes for the future.
Source: Hoops Rumors
