Stop worrying about the fit between P.J. Washington and Cooper Flagg, according to the Smoking Cuban. The noise from the offseason has gone quiet because the on-court results speak for themselves. During the opening five contests of the 2026-27 season, Washington converted skeptics into believers. He is not just playing; he is thriving alongside the rookie sensation.
Many fans thought their skill sets clashed too much to work. Washington missed open looks last year, and people feared that would get worse with Flagg on the floor. But he has found a new rhythm that keeps Dallas moving forward. The numbers show he is still hitting 32.3 percent from deep, which matches his struggles from last season, yet the team flow remains perfect.
Inside the Paint Dominance
Washington has gone back to what he does best. He is sealing defenders and finishing at the rim with serious power. He is crashing the glass hard on both ends of the floor. This physical play gives the Mavericks a balance that pure shooting cannot provide. His floaters in the in-between game demonstrate remarkable efficiency as well. That mid-range touch keeps defenses honest even when his three-point shot is cold.
The offense does not stop just because he is on the floor. Kyrie Irving’s return helped fix spacing worries, but Washington earned his spot. He is the team’s best wing defender in one-on-one matchups. He limited Giannis Antetokounmpo and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the two most recent games. That is the kind of two-way impact a contender needs to win.
Why the Trade Talk Is Dead
People were ready to ship Washington out before the season started. Now, those rumors are fading fast. The Mavericks are 3-2 and looking like real buyers before the trade deadline. With 77 games left, there is no reason to move him unless this start was a fluke. Dallas does not own their first-round pick next summer, so trading a key starter makes no sense.
Coach Dusty May is even using Washington at the five in small lineups. This experiment worked at the end of last season, and it is paying off again. It gives the team offensive pop against weaker frontcourts. The chemistry is real, and the fit is seamless. Washington is the unquestioned third-best player on a roster full of stars.
Cooper Flagg is having a breakout year that has analysts talking. Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins sees something special in Flagg’s all-around game. Perkins called Flagg “the white version of LeBron James,” pointing to his IQ and ability to “create, defend, do all those things” with just a bit less athleticism.
That comparison might be high praise, but the fit with Washington is not an issue anymore. The two are feeding off each other’s energy.
