After their first matchup ever, Kevin Durant already has a bold prediction for the career of Cooper Flagg. Durant helped the Houston Rockets take down Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks on Monday at the Toyota Center.
In an exclusive interview with Rashad Miller of Dallas Hoops Journal, Durant was asked about his thoughts on Flagg’s performance against the Rockets. Flagg had 12 points, five rebounds and two assists in the Mavericks’ 110-102 loss.
KD liked what he saw from the No. 1 pick and dropped a massive compliment for the 18-year-old forward.
“I think that he’s going to be a hell of a player. I think that he’s going to be such a nightmare… that… he’ll be considered one of the best of all time,” Durant said.
Flagg hasn’t had the best start to his NBA career, mainly due to being played out of position by coach Jason Kidd. With Kyrie Irving out recovering from a knee injury, Kidd has put Flagg at point guard to help him grow and mature.
However, it hasn’t been effective with the Mavs having a record of 2-5 after the first two weeks of the campaign. Flagg is averaging 13.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.1 turnovers per game. He’s shooting 38.8% from the field, including 30.8% from beyond the arc.
Durant Doesn’t Mind Flagg’s PG Role
Speaking from his own experience transitioning from a forward hybrid in college to a tall scoring guard in the NBA, Kevin Durant doesn’t mind what the Dallas Mavericks are doing with Cooper Flagg.
Durant explained to the Dallas Hoops Journal that there will always be an adjustment period for young players, so fans should be patient.
“I think that you’re going from in college playing four and five to playing point guard, two guard. That’s going to be an adjustment period for everybody… I hate to inject myself into his (situation), but I came in college playing four, five. I came to the league playing a two. So it’s like position changes like that can really throw you off early on in your career. But I think he’s still working through it and having some good games, you know?” Durant said.
Durant hasn’t slowed down this season, finishing with 21 points, six rebounds and five assists against the Mavericks. The Rockets improved to 4-2 for the season, extending their winning streak to four games.
KD’s Advise for Jayson Tatum
Amid Jayson Tatum‘s recovery from a torn Achilles tendon, Kevin Durant had some advice for the Boston Celtics superstar. As someone who went through the same injury, Durant wants Tatum to take things slowly and day by day. He doesn’t want him to look into his return date before his body has fully healed, as per CLNS Media.
“It’s such a long way away from now. I just feel like take it day by day, see what happens with the team, see what happens with his body, and make a decision a little later,” Durant said, via Celtics Wire.
KD has been six years removed from his torn Achilles injury. He’s still among the best players in the league at the age of 37. He recently signed a two-year, $90 million extension with the Rockets.
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