The Mavericks are preparing for a season full of uncertainties, and one of the biggest revolves around Cooper Flagg, the number one pick in the latest NBA Draft. The young forward, developed at Duke, is generating enormous expectations in Dallas, to the point that ESPN experts are already discussing the possibility of seeing him in a major role from his very first official game.
With Kyrie Irving still in rehab after a serious ACL injury and no defined return date, the door opens for Flagg to take on more responsibility than expected. On the popular podcast Brian Windhorst and The Hoop Collective, analysts debated the possibility of the rookie even starting as point guard-a decision that would completely alter the team’s dynamics.
Cooper Flagg and the lineup debate
Tim Bontemps put forth a scenario that surprised many: a lineup featuring Anthony Davis, PJ Washington, Klay Thompson, and Flagg himself running the offense. The question is whether Jason Kidd will trust D’Angelo Russell to lead the team or take a risk by placing the rookie in such a demanding role.
Meanwhile, Tim MacMahon admitted that the option can’t be completely ruled out, given Flagg’s talent and versatility. Windhorst, more cautious, said he’d be surprised to see him as the starting point guard, although he acknowledged that Flagg’s playmaking ability is one of the reasons he was the first pick in the Draft.
Debut against the San Antonio Spurs
The mystery will be resolved on October 22, when the Mavericks face the San Antonio Spurs in the season opener. All eyes will be on Flagg-not only because of his potential for immediate impact, but also because he’s emerging as one of the top candidates for Rookie of the Year, according to ESPN’s latest poll.
Jeremy Woo, an analyst for the network, highlighted that Flagg perfectly combines talent and favorable circumstances-a duo that often makes the difference in this kind of recognition. Moreover, the fact that Dallas is willing to experiment with him as a point guard confirms the organization’s confidence in his development.
Cooper Flagg and high expectations
Cooper Flagg’s journey is just beginning, but he’s already being talked about as a generational talent capable of changing the Mavericks’ history. If he quickly adapts to the NBA pace and solidifies his role in the lineup, Dallas could find in its young star the missing piece to seriously compete again in the West.
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