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Tim MacMahon
THIS ISN’T THE scenario that Cooper Flagg had hoped for during his rookie year.
Flagg anticipated being one of the rare No. 1 picks to experience playoff action immediately, feeling privileged to be with a team that included a few veteran future Hall of Famers after the Dallas Mavericks defied odds with a 1.8% chance to secure the top selection in last spring’s draft lottery.
but, the reality has been a stark contrast as Flagg’s season progresses past its midpoint. The Mavs currently hold an 18-26 record, landing them in 12th place in the Western Conference, suggesting Dallas might secure another single-digit draft pick to join Flagg next season.
Since being acquired as the main piece in last year’s significant trade, Anthony Davis has played only 20 games this season due to various injuries. There’s uncertainty surrounding him donning a Mavs uniform again, depending on trade talks ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline while he recovers from ligament issues in his left hand.
The return date for Kyrie Irving, a key player from the Mavs’ 2024-25 NBA Finals roster, remains undetermined as he recovers from a torn ACL sustained in early March. He’s yet to be cleared for practice, and though Irving has expressed a desire to play this season, sources indicate there may be conversations about delaying his return until next season, considering the Mavs’ current standings.
even with this disappointing season for Dallas, Flagg has garnered positive feedback from opposing coaches, scouts, and executives surveyed by ESPN.
“He’s better than what was expected, if that even makes sense,” a scouting director from the Western Conference remarked.
FLAGG STRUGGLED with efficiency when he initially started at point guard, a role he had never filled before. Mavs coach Jason Kidd ended that tryout after just seven games, during which the 6-foot-9 Flagg averaged 13.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists while shooting only 38.8% from the field.
Since returning to his natural forward position, Flagg has averaged 19.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists while shooting 49.2% from the floor over 34 games.
“Being a point guard comes with a lot of pressure and responsibility, and I wasn’t sure if I was ready for that right away,” Flagg stated in November. “I did my best. That’s not to say I can’t return to it and improve, but it seems to be working out better to have someone else assist, alleviating some pressure. … It wasn’t perfect, but I learned a lot through that experience.”
Even when Flagg has difficulty, he continues to impress opposing coaches and executives. Philadelphia’s Nick Nurse highlighted Flagg’s capability to “regain composure” throughout games, despite the mental and physical fatigue associated with extensive minutes and responsibilities.
“His standout quality is his competitiveness,” stated a general manager from the West. “He’s a force.”
Many coaches have noted Flagg’s tireless effort, regardless of conditions.
“Even when he falters, I still enjoy watching him play due to his intensity,” offered Nuggets coach David Adelman. “That level of intensity can carry you far, especially when you’re navigating the ups and downs of youth. He’s truly impressive.”
Flagg’s unique combination of size, skill, and game awareness garners acclaim, particularly for his competitive nature.
“It’s rare to find a player with such skill who also plays harder than anyone else on both ends of the floor,” one East scout commented. “That’s a winning talent.”
FLAGG ENTERED THE NBA with a level of anticipation and hype rivaling that of any American prospect since LeBron James over two decades ago.
James was frequently referenced alongside Flagg’s offensive achievements at age 18. Flagg, celebrating his 19th birthday on Dec. 21, broke James’ record for most points (42) and assists (11) in a game at 18. James is the only player to surpass Flagg’s scoring average of 18.8 points per game at that age, averaging 20.2 as an 18-year-old.
Talent evaluators see Flagg’s scoring as a pleasant surprise. While he was the consensus top-ranked player on draft boards for his versatile impact, there were questions about whether Flagg could be a primary scorer early in his career.
“I genuinely thought his offensive development would take longer than it has,” a general manager from the West shared. “With so many teammates sidelined, he’s had the freedom to broaden and enhance his game. His size aids his realization that he can get to his spots. I always thought he’d be a secondary option offensively, but he’s emerged as a primary asset for the team.”
Flagg, the sole rookie ranked among the top three in his class for total points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals, is currently the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year. His main rival for the accolade is Charlotte’s Kon Knueppel, who was Flagg’s roommate last season at Duke. Knueppel is averaging 19.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 43.5% from beyond the arc, on pace to break Keegan Murray’s record of 206 made three-pointers for a rookie.
Flagg’s most significant weakness lies in his 3-point shooting (28.6%), an area that league insiders predict will improve as he refines his shot mechanics during the offseason. but, he’s successfully shooting 53.5% inside the arc, outmaneuvering defenders with a mix of skill and physicality, which could be daunting as he builds strength and mass as he develops.
“His athleticism is the most striking feature,” declared a West scout. “As a GM, I’d prioritize adding shooting around him to build for the long term.”
Flagg has proven to be an exceptional driver, even with Dallas’ spacing challenges, resulting from a lack of exterior shooting. According to NBA Advanced Stats, he stands 12th in the league with 339 points generated off drives, boasting a 53.5% shooting rate in those situations.
Scouting reports highlight Flagg’s effectiveness as a left-handed driver and finisher, even though he is a natural right-handed player. He is the only player in the league with at least 60 made layups and dunks with both hands, as per ESPN Research. He has attempted 109 layups and dunks with his left hand this season, ranking second among right-handed players in the league behind Atlanta’s Nickeil Alexander-Walker, according to GeniusIQ tracking. His repertoire also includes floaters and hooks executed with his off hand during traffic situations.
“His ability to finish using either hand under pressure at the rim and near the restricted area is remarkable,” commented an East scout. “He’s adept at driving left, and teams will likely catch onto that, which could impact his efficiency.”
Flagg’s composure has impressed seasoned veterans, prompting three-time MVP Nikola Jokic to remark on a night when Flagg scored 33 points with 9 rebounds and 9 assists against the Denver Nuggets that the teenager “appeared quite mature out there.” Flagg exhibits a natural comfort when at the helm in crucial moments. He ranks seventh in the league for clutch points (72) and assists (13), during tight scenarios where the score is within five points in the last five minutes of regulation or overtime.
“He’s everything that scouts and analysts speculated he would be,” a West pro personnel director noted. “At just 18 years of age, he’s concluding games by making critical shots and plays. That’s unusual, truly special talent.”
ESPN’s Matt Williams contributed to this story.
