Cooper Flag made his extremely anticipated Dallas Mavericks preseason debut.
The Dallas Mavericks chosen Cooper Flag on the primary decide of the 2025 NBA Draft.
Mavericks added generational expertise to the already loaded roster as Flag is dedicated to changing into a future NBA star.
Flag wasted no time making his mark as he confirmed off his spectacular talent set in the course of the Mavericks 106-99 victory over the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder.
Flag posted 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 10 factors (all within the second quarter) in 14 minutes of motion.
He shot 2-for-6 from the sector. That is excellent from deep, 3-3 and 2-2 from the free throw line.
Flag launched him to his excessive basketball IQ because it seems he performed accurately each time. He was used to the ball in his hand and gave the proper studying.
There was one sequence during which Cason Wallace pushed a full courtroom in opposition to him, however Flagg remained calm and moved the ball to the ground with ease earlier than discovering Dwight Powell within the bucket.
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd spoke about what he noticed from the flag and stated his playmaking can be an enormous enhance for the Mavericks this season.
“It turns into considered one of our strengths and permits him to deal with the ball, learn, decide and roll.
“I believed he did a tremendous job of discovering a man… For the 18-year-old, seeing his skill to deal with the ball in such a state of affairs is particular and enjoyable, and he is solely getting higher.”
Flagg continues to begin with middle Dereck Vigorous II, a small ahead subsequent to Anthony Davis within the energy ahead place.
Flag is meant to see prolonged play time from the gate, and it’s anticipated that he’ll typically be holding the ball in his hand till Kyrie Irving returns from an ACL harm.
Flag’s skill to play and begin off with an offense can be totally exhibited from the start of the season.
He has an actual probability to change into a key two-way participant within the Mavericks’ beginning lineup and be somebody who can create total statistics, as he confirmed in his first preseason efficiency.
