DALLAS – It’s fair to say Cooper Flagg landing with the Dallas Mavericks as the 1st overall pick last month saved the team. Fans and the front office spent the second half of the season clashing after the Luka Dončić trade. Now, with the 18-year-old prodigy on board, the Mavericks can breathe again. They can pivot to their generational prospect if their championship plans collapse.
Jason Kidd And Mavs Staff Giving Cooper Flagg The Giannis Treatment
Kidd Wants Flagg’s Playmaking to Expand
In these early days of his NBA career, the Mavericks want Flagg to expand his playmaking. Flagg knows top lottery picks rarely get this many championship vets around them so soon.
“I’m looking forward to being a sponge,” Flagg said.
Kidd Sees Flagg as a Point Forward
Kidd has already shared plans to use Flagg as a point guard, shooting guard, and small forward.
“I want to put him at point guard,” Kidd said. “I want to make him uncomfortable and see how he reacts. Be able to run the show. Be able to play shooting guard. Play small forward. He’s comfortable playing that. We want to push. I think he’s going to respond in a positive way.”
Summer League Shows the Vision
In Summer League, the Mavericks tested Cooper Flagg as a point forward. At Duke, Flagg led his team in assists (4.2) with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 2-to-1.
He brought the ball up. He ran plays as the primary ball handler. Kidd kept his word, throwing him against point-of-attack defenders. Those reps showed the limits of Flagg’s current handle.
No cause for concern, though. He’s 18. He will improve. Jaylen Brown did.
Kidd Knows This Blueprint
Interestingly, Kidd has trusted a young player with point forward duties before — Giannis Antetokounmpo. Back in 2016, Kidd coached the Bucks when he handed Giannis the keys to the offense. Giannis has gone on to become a two-time MVP and an NBA champion.
A Big Opportunity Now
The Mavs’ stacked frontcourt and Kyrie Irving’s rehab from his Achilles injury mean Flagg will get real reps as a primary ball handler.
That will unlock more of his game. He’ll find Anthony Davis for lobs, just like he did for Khaman Maluach. He’ll hit Klay Thompson on cuts, just like he did for Kon Knueppel.
The more Flagg runs the offense, the higher his ceiling climbs. Maybe to heights only Giannis Antetokounmpo knows.
© Candice Ward-Imagn Images
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