The primary look of Cooper Flagg within the NBA summer season league was temporary however sparked numerous dialog. The recruit of Dallas Mavericks, taken first within the normal classification of the NBA 2025 draft, had tailored to solely two video games earlier than the group determined to relaxation. However on this brief passage, he left a long-lasting impression.
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Flagg collected on common 20.5 factors, 5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.5 interceptions and 1 block per recreation. He drew solely 36% from the sector and skilled depth difficulties, reaching solely 21% of his three -point makes an attempt. He additionally linked to solely 57% of his free throws, leaving some questions on his offensive varnish.
Nonetheless, uncooked numbers and flexibility flashes have been adequate for some to make nice predictions. Fox Sports activities analyst Chris Broussard didn’t maintain again when he shares his imaginative and prescient of the 18 -year -old striker.
The analyst says that Cooper Flagg might exceed Garnett as a marker
“I feel he will likely be a high scorer than Kevin Garnett,” mentioned Broussard. “He can shoot the three, has a mid -range jumper, can publish a bit and can enhance on this space over time. He can push the break, end sturdy and arrive on the basket. His offensive expertise are simply extra developed than these of Garnett at this stage.”
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Broussard additionally underlined Flagg’s response to adversity. After a quiet outing of 10 factors throughout its beginnings towards the Lakers, Flagg broke out for 31 factors towards the Spurs. This resilience stood out on the veteran analyst.
“He has the appropriate mentality. The way in which he bounced reveals me that he’s the true deal,” added Brussard.
Earlier than taking part in a minute NBA, Flagg was already in comparison with Garnett. In line with a reporting report of the Bleacher report resulting in the draft, Flagg has the scale, athletics and the versatile recreation to probably replicate the affect of Garnett.
The report famous that Flagg has “the notation potential, the physique, the QI and the defensive instruments” to turn into one of many few gamers able to making a mean of 20 factors, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 flight and 1 block per recreation over a season.
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Kevin Garnett, who performed 21 seasons within the NBA, completed with a quarry of 17.8 factors, 10 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.3 interceptions and 1.4 blocks per recreation. He was higher recognized for his protection, his management and his depth than for the elite rating.
If Flagg can attain or spend these figures whereas including a extra full offensive recreation, as Brussard believes, he might turn into a changeable franchise expertise for the Mavericks.
Flagg, who performed a season in Duke earlier than coming into the draft, was a present in any respect ranges resulting in the NBA. The Mavericks clearly see it because the centerpiece of their future, and shut it at first of the summer season league means that they play safely with their first alternative.
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