Cooper Flagg Surprise Prediction As 'All-NBA Defender' Fits Mavericks Vision Perfectly

DALLAS - Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison has made his team-building philosophy clear: Prioritize players who can make significant contributions on both ends of the floor.

Now, with the addition of No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, a potential game-changing two-way talent, the Mavericks may have found the final piece of their championship-contention puzzle in the post-Luka Doncic era.

Flagg showed signs of elite defensive traits throughout his collegiate career at Duke and in his two games at the Las Vegas Summer League. Flagg had three steals and one block in his summer league debut against the Los Angeles Lakers.

"Flagg's upside as an All-NBA defender is evident. Again, it might not happen in his rookie season, but it would be shocking if he isn't on the All-Defensive Team within the next three seasons. His basketball IQ is off the charts, and he's going to make an impact immediately as a wing-stopper. The Mavericks organization and their fans should be satisfied with what they saw from Flagg, even though his summer league stint was short," CBS Sports contributor Cameron Salerno wrote in a prediction of sorts.

The 6-9 rookie wing boasts a 7-foot wingspan and plus athleticism, giving him the tools to be a versatile defender capable of guarding positions one through four.

We bet Flagg’s versatility will fit beautifully in the Mavericks’ new defensive scheme, where he will be playing alongside other high-impact defenders such as Anthony Davis, P.J. Washington, Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, Max Christie, Caleb Martin and Naji Marshall.

With his blend of size, instincts and defensive versatility, Flagg adds a dynamic new layer to an already formidable Mavericks roster ready to compete right away. ... and not just on the offensive end.