The Dallas Mavericks snapped a ten-game losing streak against the Indiana Pacers, and veteran forward Khris Middleton made sure to give a longtime teammate of his some praise.
On Sunday, the Dallas Mavericks snapped a ten-game losing streak, beating the Indiana Pacers 134-130. As the Mavericks tank away their season, losing would have benefited them in the long run, although the morale boost may have been worth it.
Dallas was led by 25 points from Khris Middleton. The veteran and former All-Star hasn't seen the court much since the Milwaukee Bucks traded him to the Washington Wizards for Kyle Kuzma, although he has remained a consummate professional.
The Mavericks added Middleton at the trade deadline as a match for Anthony Davis, and he has slid into his role as a veteran leader rather well. While Middleton received his flowers after a standout game, he made sure to praise an often-overlooked player.
Dallas Mavericks Enjoy Marvin Bagley III
In the 2018 NBA Draft, the Dallas Mavericks held their breath as the Sacramento Kings made their selection. Dallas was shopping for Luka Doncic to fall to them at fifth overall or the Atlanta Hawks at third, as the two teams had agreed on a trade to send the Slovenian to Texas.
The pick was in, and the Kings added Duke standout Marvin Bagley III. Dallas would later get their guy.
Of course, all of that is distant history. Doncic became a superstar, and Bagley III became a backup journeyman. Like Middleton, he was sent to Dallas in the Davis deal.
In five games with the Mavs, Bagley III is averaging 11.8 points and 9.6 rebounds off the bench, proving to be a reliable backup for Daniel Gafford and, possibly, Derrick Lively III should the Mavs re-sign Bagley III.
"He's an active big, talented big, skillful big," praised Khris Middleton, who was also Bagley's teammate in Washington. "He can play on any team, does so many things that don't really shine in the box score. He's incredible. He's a great dude, great teammate. I'm glad to be his teammate still."
The Mavericks' old front office never had any intention to land Bagley III, either through the draft or subsequent trades, although parting ways with Doncic eventually put it on the table. It's ironic that he would wind up in Dallas, the team that didn't want him to begin with, but despite that past, he's quickly carved out a role for himself, and the front office should consider re-signing him in the summer.