The Dallas Mavericks initially challenged No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg by starting him out of position as a point guard early in his NBA career. Having played primarily as a small forward throughout his youth, Flagg found it difficult to secure the role he envisioned after being tasked with initiating the offense full-time at the professional level.
During the seven games he played as a point guard, Flagg averaged 13.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.1 turnovers per game. However, his shooting struggled, as he posted a subpar 38.8% field goal percentage, including just 30.8% from beyond the arc. The Mavericks also suffered with a league-worst 103.6 offensive rating during this stretch.
Recognizing the mismatch, head coach Jason Kidd and his staff took their time before eventually allowing Flagg to return to his natural position at small forward. The change sparked a significant improvement in Flagg’s performance. Over six games playing small forward, Flagg surged to 17.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game while shooting an efficient 48.3%.
On Friday, the former Duke star showcased his growing confidence in a 133-127 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. Flagg tallied 16 points and five rebounds on a scorching 61.5% shooting. This marked the third time he has shot over 50% since moving back to the small forward spot.
When asked about the positional change, Cooper Flagg admitted, “I don’t know if I was ready for that or if I was ready to handle that right off the bat. I tried my best & that’s not to say I can’t go back to it. I can work on it and get better. I think it’s just worked out lately where it’s better to have somebody else help and relieve the pressure.”
Playing point guard in the NBA as an 18-year-old rookie was understandably a steep learning curve for Flagg. With others handling ball distribution, he has thrived by leveraging his strengths as a cutter and scorer. Although he still handles the ball occasionally, having a traditional point guard on the floor has lessened the defensive pressure he faces.
Cooper Flagg’s shift to small forward has also helped him maintain freshness late in games. When the situation demands, he’s been aggressive in the clutch, stepping up to create scoring opportunities.
For example, in Monday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Flagg powered his way to the rim and scored over former Defensive Player of the Year Giannis Antetokounmpo with 30 seconds remaining to provide the Mavericks a one-point lead. Although Dallas eventually lost 116-114, Flagg’s effort was a clear sign of his growing confidence.
Against the LA Clippers on Friday, Flagg again came through down the stretch by tying the game at 120-120, giving Dallas a lifeline in the first overtime period. Despite forcing a second overtime, the Mavericks ultimately fell 133-127.
The Mavericks have been shorthanded this season due to injuries to stars Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, which has contributed to some losses. However, these absences have also provided Flagg with crucial playing time and touches on the floor. Once Davis and Irving return, the experience and development Flagg is gaining now will be vital in helping the Mavericks achieve future success.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-don-t-know-i-was-ready-cooper-flagg-admits-point-guard-role-pushed-him-to-the-edge