Mavs’ Cooper Flagg Admits Struggles as Point Guard: ‘Was I Ready?’
Cooper Flagg, the top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks, has faced challenges transitioning to a point guard role. Coach Jason Kidd envisioned Flagg as a primary ballhandler during his introductory press conference, intending to develop his skills in a demanding position.
Early Career with the Mavericks
Flagg began his career with the Mavericks by starting as their point guard for the first seven games. His lineup included notable players like Klay Thompson, PJ Washington, and Anthony Davis. However, injuries to teammates created a tough environment for Flagg.
Performance Analysis
During his time as the starting point guard, Flagg averaged:
- 13.6 points per game
- 6.3 rebounds per game
- 2.9 assists per game
- 2.1 turnovers per game
His shooting percentages were 38.8% from the field, 30.8% from three-point range, and he maintained a perfect 100% from the free-throw line. Despite these numbers, Kidd decided to shift Flagg back to a more traditional small forward role on November 5 against New Orleans.
Recent Success and Reflections
Since returning to the small forward position, Flagg’s statistics have improved significantly. In six starts, he averaged:
- 17.0 points per game
- 7.0 rebounds per game
- 3.0 assists per game
- 2.8 turnovers per game
His overall shooting percentage has increased to 48.3%, although his three-point shooting remains a focus for improvement at just 23%.
Addressing the Challenges of Being a Point Guard
Flagg candidly expressed his feelings about his experience at point guard. He noted the significant pressure and responsibility that comes with the position. “I tried my best…and that’s not to say I can’t go back to it,” Flagg acknowledged after a recent double-overtime game.
Coach Kidd likely pushed Flagg into this role early on due to the absence of star point guard Kyrie Irving, who is recovering from a torn ACL. Flagg’s development is crucial for the Mavericks, especially in leveraging his skills as a versatile player.
Future Outlook
Flagg continues to receive opportunities in crucial moments, reflecting Kidd’s trust in his potential. Moving forward, he will need to balance being assertive while facilitating for his teammates. As he gains more experience, Flagg’s position on the team and performance can only improve.
“It’s a lot of responsibility… I don’t know if I was ready for that,” Flagg remarked, recognizing the steep learning curve he faces as he develops into a more complete player.
