Cooper Flagg Has Already Taken Over the Mavs: Show at Training Camp

Cooper Flagg entered the NBA with the label of an offensive phenom, capable of filling highlight reels since his high school days. But in the first days of Dallas’ training camp, the No. 1 overall pick is already showing a clear understanding of what his main task will be: defense.

Use our size and turn it into an advantage. We have many tall, long, and versatile players. Covering a lot of ground will be a strength

Cooper Flagg

This is no small detail: the Mavericks finished in the bottom half of the league in defensive rating in 13 of the last 15 seasons. Flagg’s arrival, along with a finally healthy Anthony Davis and the contributions of assistants Frank Vogel and Jay Triano, marks an attempt to change direction.

Standing at 6’9” with a 7’0” wingspan, Flagg slots into a physically dominant frontcourt with Davis, P.J. Washington, Dereck Lively, and Daniel Gafford.

Jason Kidd has spoken about “champion habits” and communication as keys to the defensive project. Flagg, who showed strong help-defense instincts in the Summer League (1.5 steals and 1 block per game), knows he still has to learn the new schemes and get used to the veterans’ language.

Sometimes I still slip into calling out things from Duke, but it’s better to say something than stay silent. I want to take it one step at a time, without rushing. But I’m really excited

Cooper Flagg

On offense, the rookie will also be able to serve as a secondary playmaker alongside D’Angelo Russell, leveraging vision and reads that Kidd has already praised.

My dribbling and passing are strengths because I execute them at a high level

Cooper Flagg

The No. 1 pick from last year’s draft, who entered the NBA with high expectations, remains grounded: anticipation to see him play in the preseason keeps growing.