Cooper Flagg is receiving overwhelmingly positive evaluations from NBA coaches, scouts and executives despite the Dallas Mavericks’ disappointing 18-26 record at the season’s midpoint. The No. 1 pick has impressed talent evaluators with his competitive nature and all-around impact beyond raw statistics.
“He’s better than advertised, if that’s possible,” a Western Conference scouting director told ESPN.
Flagg struggled initially when coach Jason Kidd started him at point guard for the first seven games. The 19-year-old has averaged 19.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists while shooting 49.2% from the floor in 34 games since returning to his natural forward position.
Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse highlighted Flagg’s ability to maintain composure despite heavy minutes and extensive responsibilities. Denver coach David Adelman praised the rookie’s relentless intensity even during poor performances.
“When he doesn’t play well, I still really like watching him play because of the way he plays,” Adelman said. “The intensity, I think that takes you a long way because you’re going to go through ups and downs when you’re young.”
Flagg’s competitive character earns the most praise from league personnel. One Western Conference general manager called him “a motherf—er” when discussing his greatest strength.
“It’s very rare that you get a guy that is that skilled and he plays the hardest of anybody on both sides of the floor,” an Eastern Conference scout said. “That’s a winning player.”
Talent evaluators consider Flagg’s scoring production a pleasant surprise. The forward broke LeBron James’ NBA records for most points (42) and assists (11) in a game at age 18.
“I actually thought his offense would take longer than it has,” a West general manager said. “He’s so big, and he’s realized he can just get to his spots. I’ve always thought he’d be that 1B [offensive option], but he’s an alpha for your team.”
Flagg ranks 12th in the league with 339 points off drives while shooting 53.5% in those situations. Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic said Flagg “looked really mature out there” after the rookie’s 33-point, nine-rebound, nine-assist performance against Denver on December 23.
“He’s 18 years old and closing out games — making shots and making plays to close games,” a West pro personnel director said. “That’s just not normal. That’s something really special.”