Cooper Flagg: A Rising Star in the NBA
Rising star Cooper Flagg, the top pick in this year’s NBA Draft, is gaining recognition not only for his spectacular offensive plays throughout high school and recent games at summer league but also for his keen understanding of defensive strategies during the Dallas Mavericks’ training camp. Flagg, standing at 6-foot-9 with an impressive 7-foot wingspan, is optimistic about contributing to a new era of defensive play under the Mavericks’ head coach Jason Kidd.
Defensive Strategies and Team Dynamics
In a recent statement, Flagg emphasized the role of the team’s size, noting,
“We have a lot of tall, lengthy, positionless players. Covering a lot of ground with our length will be an advantage for sure.”
This is crucial for Dallas, which has struggled defensively for over a decade, ranking in the lower half of the league for 13 out of the past 15 seasons despite having notable defenders in their roster over the years.
To address these woes, the Mavericks are aiming to establish a more aggressive and versatile defensive identity. With the return of a healthy Anthony Davis, reinforced by the hiring of veteran coaches Frank Vogel and Jay Triano, and adding talents like Flagg, the organization is poised for a significant transformation. Flagg joins a formidable frontcourt that includes players such as P.J. Washington, Dereck Lively, and Daniel Gafford, all of whom bring exceptional physical attributes to the team.
Building Championship Habits
Kidd has highlighted the importance of building “championship habits” through solid communication, especially defensively. Flagg is adaptable and is expected to fulfill multiple roles, from defending quicker guards to sharing frontcourt duties with Davis in a small-ball setup. In summer league, he showcased his ability as a help defender, proficiently using his lateral movement to react and assist teammates, averaging 1.5 steals and a block per game. However, as camp progresses, he faces a steep learning curve regarding advanced playcalling and team dynamics.
Flagg has taken it upon himself to observe and absorb his teammates’ tendencies and practice routines, dedicating time to improve communication on the court.
“It’s different terminology, you just gotta get accustomed to it,”
he remarked about adapting to the new system.
“Sometimes I mess up and say an old terminology I used at Duke. But if you say something, it’s better than saying nothing.”
Offensive Potential and Future Aspirations
On the offensive side, Flagg is set to thrive alongside D’Angelo Russell as a secondary playmaker, having gained valuable experience during his time in Vegas where he often shared ball-handling duties. Coach Kidd praised Flagg’s capabilities, noting his strong ball-handling and passing skills.
As Flagg continues to navigate the challenges of professional basketball, he remains focused on gradual improvement:
“Just trying to take it one step at a time and enjoy the process every step of the way,”
he declared, expressing enthusiasm for his future with the Mavericks, despite the complexities that come with transitioning to the NBA.
