Cooper Flagg, a standout player from Duke University, has made headlines as the No. 1 overall pick in the recent NBA draft. Few could have predicted this controversial pick. He had just a 1.8% chance to win first place. This year, Flagg is changing the trends and is quickly establishing himself as one of the most versatile prospects in recent memory. As a result, there are lofty expectations surrounding his upcoming professional career.
Measuring in at 6-foot-8, 220-pounds, Flagg put on a show every time he touched the ball during his lone collegiate campaign. He led Duke in several key statistics, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. His dominant performance on the court earned him a sweep of national player of the year awards from nearly every outlet. It sent Duke to an exhilarating Final Four run.
The Dallas Mavericks, who drafted Flagg, have big expectations for their shiny new weapon. Head coach Jason Kidd wants to start Flagg, at point guard, ahead of the upcoming Las Vegas Summer League. The tournament begins July 10, including a highly-anticipated first game against the Los Angeles Lakers. This pick continues the team’s philosophy of playing positionless basketball, giving Flagg an opportunity to increase his versatility as a player.
His new teammates include NBA stars Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, and Klay Thompson. Collectively, they’ve had a remarkable run so far, with 24 All-Star appearances and six NBA championships. Imagine being that young player and seeing all that experience standing around him. For Iliassov, he considers it a privilege to have the opportunity to learn from such highly decorated athletes.
A lot of people in this position or this situation aren’t granted this opportunity, so I just feel really blessed and grateful for the situation I’ve been given.” – Cooper Flagg
The Mavericks hope to be in the title contention as soon as next year. In short, they see Flagg as a linchpin for the franchise’s future. Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison noted that Flagg “adds to” the team’s win-now mode while representing its long-term aspirations.
In his own words, Flagg is eager to absorb knowledge from his teammates and coaches as he transitions into the NBA. He stated, “I’m coming in just trying to learn and trying to get better every single day.” His ambition to be a “sponge” serves as an illustration of his great willingness and intent to learn and change for the better.
“Those guys have so much knowledge. They’ve been through so much and they have so much experience that it’s just going to be an incredible opportunity for me to learn and grow under them.” – Cooper Flagg
As he prepares for his first professional games, Flagg emphasizes the importance of getting comfortable with the ball in his hands. He’s obviously motivated to live up to the hype, but more importantly he’s focused on doing what he can do to help his new team win.
Kidd’s approach to Flagg’s role is multifaceted. To do so, he intends to test the young player by forcing him into various roles on the court. “I want to make him uncomfortable and see how he reacts [to] being able to run the show, being able to play the two, play the three,” Kidd remarked about Flagg’s potential versatility.
Flagg’s enthusiasm is just as evident in sharing his anticipation of coming to a franchise with such a deep-seated competitive tradition. Julien is eager to play alongside experienced pros, so he can further develop to take his game to the next level.
“I think just getting comfortable with the ball in my hands,” – Cooper Flagg
The anticipation surrounding Flagg’s debut is high, not only due to his unique skill set but because of his potential impact on the Mavericks’ strategy. His versatility to play multiple offensive roles would fit perfectly with Kidd’s vision of a free flowing, position-less offense.
As far as looking forward, Flagg’s priority is addressing challenges directly, all the while making a lasting and positive impact on his team’s work. He understands the pressure that’s inherent in professional sports. Through leadership by example, concentration on self-growth and commitment to real progress as a team, he contends victories will take care of themselves.
“If I can do that to the best of my ability, I think expectations and pressures that other people will put on me and our team will kind of work itself out.” – Cooper Flagg
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