The SLAM cover validated expectations about Cooper Flagg's potential and suggested that anticipated success lay directly ahead. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd immediately tested Flagg by starting him at point during the Summer League, aiming to make him uncomfortable and evaluate his ability to run the show, initiate offense and handle pressure. The two-game Summer League window revealed Flagg's advanced, jack-of-all-trades skill set for an 18-year-old and its potential fit alongside veteran Mavericks. Flagg displayed poise, confidence and versatility, hitting threes, creating for teammates, leading fast breaks, playing 31 minutes per game with only three total turnovers. His mother, Kelly Flagg, labeled him extraordinarily adaptable.
Cooper Flagg's first test in the Association came faster than expected. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd wanted to throw him right into the fire at the very first Summer League game in Las Vegas, looking to feature Flagg at the same point guard position that Kidd had played during his Hall of Fame career, which, coincidentally, also began in Dallas. Kidd wanted to make him "uncomfortable" and "see how he reacts being able to run the show," he says.
He showcased his ability to impact the game from all over the floor, draining threes, finding teammates and leading fast breaks on the fly. With the ball in his hands for 31 minutes per game, he only had three total turnovers."It kind of is what it is and you're able to translate," Cooper explains. "You do what you can do and just play your own game and be confident in everything that you're doing."
Collection
[
|
...
]