Cooper Flagg: The Top Selection in the NBA Draft
Cooper Flagg emerged as the top selection in the NBA Draft, a testament to his remarkable versatility as a 6-foot-9 wing player. As the Dallas Mavericks look to harness his potential, the question looms: what role will he carve out for himself during his debut season and beyond? Head coach Jason Kidd, along with his staff, is set on exploring this inquiry.
Summer League Experience
The journey commenced during the NBA Summer League, where Flagg participated in a rigorous point-guard training regimen. The Mavericks took a bold approach in the Las Vegas games, giving Flagg significant responsibilities. He showcased his ability to initiate plays under the pressure of opposing defenders, frequently serving as the primary ball-handler in pick-and-roll situations. Although the outcomes varied, these early games offered a promising glimpse into what the future may hold for this exceptional young talent.
Historical Context and Expectations
Historically, Kidd has not hesitated to experiment with young players who possess unique skill sets. Back in 2016, he made headlines while coaching the Milwaukee Bucks, outlining his plans to elevate a promising 6-foot-11 forward—Giannis Antetokounmpo—into a pivotal role. Today, Antetokounmpo stands as the cornerstone of the Bucks’ offense, consistently averaging over five assists per season since Kidd’s early influence.
Flagg’s Background and Transition to the NBA
Flagg, despite being new to the NBA environment, isn’t a stranger to handling the basketball. During his sole season at Duke, he led his team in assists, achieved close to a 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio, and frequently operated as a pick-and-roll ball-handler.
However, the transition to the NBA level poses distinct challenges, as evident in his summer league appearances. Flagg occasionally wrestled with ball-handling and separation techniques, yet he also demonstrated flashes of brilliance, introducing the possibility of him evolving into a premier point forward in the league. The summer league served as an excellent platform to assess and refine his pick-and-roll abilities.
Future Opportunities
With Kyrie Irving expected to miss substantial time this season, there will be ample opportunities for Flagg to take on more ball-handling responsibilities. Additionally, with formidable frontcourt competitors like Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, and P.J. Washington, it is likely Flagg will need to adapt his game to a more perimeter-oriented role. The hope is that the groundwork laid during the summer league will cultivate success for him as he progresses in his career.
