Once regarded as perhaps the most versatile prospect in recent basketball history, Cooper Flagg is already set to begin his NBA journey. He’ll be making his way to the Dallas Mavericks fresh off a phenomenal freshman campaign at Duke. Though Flagg is only 18 years old, he has opened our eyes with his astounding musical virtuosity. Miraculously, that very team ended up drafting him No. 1 overall anyway, despite only having a 1.8% chance of landing that No.
Flagg’s standout performance at Duke included leading the team in multiple statistical categories: scoring (19.2 points per game), rebounding (7.5), assists (4.2), steals (1.4), and blocks (1.4). His on-court production led Duke to a Final Four run. In the process, he received several national player of the year awards.
The Mavericks are primed to make a push for an NBA championship immediately. They’ll be pairing Flagg with other high level NBA prospects on a newly talented roster headlined by established stars like Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson. Collectively, these players have 24 All-Star appearances and six NBA championship rings. Their deep collective wisdom provides Flagg a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn and grow.
Jason Kidd, the Mavericks’ head coach, has a specific vision for Flagg’s role on the team. He’s going to have Flagg open the season as the starting point guard for next summer’s Las Vegas Summer League. The league opens play on July 10 against the Los Angeles Lakers. Kidd wants to push Flagg as much as possible by letting him run the show and developing his skills to play multiple positions.
Kidd just wants to put him in uncomfortable situations and watch the fight or flight response. First, he thinks Flagg can run the show and be an effective playmaker while dominating both the two and three spots, allowing for mismatches.
Flagg is already 6-foot-8 and 220 pounds, giving him a HVAC-level imposing stature not often found in a player his age. For Flagg, taking the LISC job represents a thrilling new chapter in his career. He is incredibly appreciative for the opportunity that’s been afforded to him.
“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,” Flagg stated.
A sponge when it comes to absorbing knowledge from his veteran teammates, Flagg considers this to be an amazing opportunity for on-the-job training. “I’m just looking forward to being a sponge. Just getting down here, I’m excited to just learn, soak it all in and learn from the guys that are older and have been through it all before,” he added.
Flagg recognizes the importance of getting comfortable with handling the ball, which is crucial for his success at point guard. Because I was definitely not just getting comfortable with the ball in my hands. 3, when asked what he needs to work on the most respectively.
“We’re in win-now mode, and so he adds to that, but he’s the future of the franchise,” Harrison emphasized.
Flagg has NBA aspirations, and ambitions even beyond the court. He’s aware, too, of the burden of expectations that comes with being the first overall draft pick. I’ll work hard to accomplish it! I trust that everyone’s expectations and pressures on me and our small team will, in a positive way, take care of themselves.
As Flagg prepares for his debut in Las Vegas, he is focused on improving every day alongside his new teammates. His commitment to understanding and developing his craft comes across vibrantly. He looks forward to jumping into a collaborative team environment where he can truly add value.
Flagg ultimately came to the conclusion that the roster is geared toward a free-wheeling fun style of position-less basketball. He thinks a lot of players have the opportunity to be successful in different slots.
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