NBA Notes: Flagg out again; Grizzlies eye new identity; Plumlee embracing Spurs opportunity

Mavericks

Rookie Cooper Flagg will miss his fifth straight game Thursday with a midfoot sprain, per Mike Curtis of the Dallas Morning News. Even if the absence stretches further, Flagg remains eligible for Rookie of the Year honors, as the 65-game minimum does not apply to that award.

Grizzlies

After trading Jaren Jackson Jr. and with Ja Morant’s long-term future uncertain, questions linger about the next face of the franchise in Memphis. Rookie Cedric Coward has drawn praise internally for his maturity.

“He’s a very mature kid for his age,” coach Tuomas Iisalo said, per Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal.

Coward, currently sidelined, downplayed any labels. “Whether it’s franchise cornerstone, whether it’s a building block — no matter what it is, the title doesn’t mean anything to me,” he said.

Spurs

Veteran big man Mason Plumlee is working back from groin surgery and embracing whatever role awaits in San Antonio.

“I think I’ve seen guys check in for five minutes and turn a game around,” Plumlee said, via Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News. “That’s the way I look at it.”

Plumlee added that he has long admired the Spurs’ culture, calling it “unique” and consistently successful behind the scenes.