Cooper Flagg will command significant attention during his rookie season.
The generational talent earned the number one pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and will easily be an attention magnet for the Dallas Mavericks.
The Mavericks will maximize his potential after the Luka Doncic trade as they need a new face of the franchise.
Well, currently they have Anthony Davis, but he can be inconsistent in terms of availability.
Kyrie Irving will also miss a large part of next season due to injury, and Klay Thompson has already passed his prime.
This leaves Cooper Flagg as a media darling, making all discussion about him interesting. This includes the role he will play next season.
Dallas Insider Mike Curtis revealed that Flagg has been registered as both a guard and forward on the Mavericks’ media materials.
This dual designation reflects his unique skill set and potential flexibility. The classification aligns with coach Jason Kidd’s vision for the Duke product.
Jason Kidd believes Flagg possesses the ability to operate as a point forward, drawing comparisons to NBA legend Grant Hill.
Flagg demonstrated primary ball-handling capabilities during his college career, suggesting he could fulfill a similar role professionally.
Kidd previously utilized this approach with Giannis Antetokounmpo during his Milwaukee tenure.
Did a routine check-in on the #Mavs' media website and noticed Cooper Flagg was recently added to the team's roster. Most notably, he's listed as a guard/forward. pic.twitter.com/nQbYAXLasp
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) August 18, 2025
Dallas faces potential point guard concerns heading into next season. The team’s depth at the position could create opportunities for Flagg to assume ball-handling responsibilities early in his career.
D’Angelo Russell showed decline last season, appearing less effective than during his peak playmaking years. This regression could open the door for alternative solutions.
Position | With Flagg as a Guard | With Flagg as a Forward |
Point Guard | Cooper Flagg | D’Angelo Russell |
Shooting Guard | Klay Thompson | Klay Thompson |
Small Forward | P.J. Washington | Cooper Flagg |
Power Forward | Anthony Davis | Anthony Davis |
Center | Daniel Gafford | Daniel Gafford |
Giving a rookie primary ball-handling duties carries inherent risks. However, Flagg’s college experience and natural instincts suggest he possesses the tools necessary for the transition.
The Mavericks will need significant contributions from their rookie regardless of his specific role, making his development crucial to the franchise’s immediate and long-term success.
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