Dallas Mavericks rookie phenom Cooper Flagg is enjoying a promising NBA debut season at just 18 years old. Following a statement win over the Texas rival Houston Rockets, the former No. 1 pick Flagg drew high praise from one of the most decorated stars in league history: Kevin Durant.
Flagg traded buckets with the four-time scoring champion Durant on Saturday throughout the Mavericks’ 122-109 victory over Houston. Durant, who finished with 27 points, eight rebounds and two blocks, reflected on the rapid development of the Mavericks’ rookie Flagg following the inter-state showdown.
“Just from watching his film, he’s finally figuring it out… he can shoot the jump shot off the middy, he can shoot the 3, he can get to the rim. I love his game,” Durant said after the loss, verbally stamping Flagg as a budding star.
Cooper Flagg is Emerging as a Star in Dallas
GettyCooper Flagg is second among NBA rookies in total points
Expectations were immense for Flagg after Dallas used the No. 1 pick they stunningly landed in the Luka Doncic trade to select the Duke standout.
So far, the 18-year-old forward has justified the pre-draft hype around him.
Flagg is averaging 17.8 points, second among all qualified rookies, and, as Durant highlighted, has flashed the ability to score at all three levels.
The Rookie of the Year favorite stuffed the stat sheet in Saturday’s win over Houston, finishing with 19 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks — doing so without a turnover or foul.
The increased off-ball usage of the Mavs rookie, at least from Durant’s viewpoint, suits Flagg’s game more naturally than running point.
“Just from watching his film, he’s finally figuring it out,” Durant told reporters. “They are also doing a good job of getting him off the ball and letting [Ryan] Nembhard and Brandon Williams control the game.
“[Flagg] can just float around and be an all-around player. If you play him at the point, you’re limiting his game. He’s playing a well-rounded game.”
While Durant’s comments could be taken as a subtle jab at Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd’s early usage of Flagg, the Rockets star may just be analyzing how the Dallas rookie has grown since the season opener.
Dallas has won four of their last five games, including victories over Western Conference powerhouses Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets and Rockets.
Part of their success has been the Flagg’s transition from point guard to forward, allowing Ryan Nembhard to thrive as the team’s floor general.
Flagg has averaged 19.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists over his last 10 games, proving capable of handling a heavy scoring load.
Flagg is tied with Pelicans guard Jeremiah Fears for the most games with 15+ points among rookies this season.
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