Jason Kidd Giving Cooper Flagg The Giannis Treatment

In these early days of his NBA career, the Mavericks want Flagg to expand his playmaking. Flagg knows top lottery picks rarely get this many championship vets around them so soon.

“I’m looking forward to being a sponge,” Flagg said.

Kidd Sees Flagg as a Point Forward

Kidd has already shared plans to use Flagg as a point guard, shooting guard, and small forward.

“I want to put him at point guard,” Kidd said. “I want to make him uncomfortable and see how he reacts. Be able to run the show. Be able to play shooting guard. Play small forward. He’s comfortable playing that. We want to push. I think he’s going to respond in a positive way.”

Summer League Shows the Vision

In Summer League, the Mavericks tested Cooper Flagg as a point forward. At Duke, Flagg led his team in assists (4.2) with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 2-to-1.

He brought the ball up. He ran plays as the primary ball handler. Kidd kept his word, throwing him against point-of-attack defenders. Those reps showed the limits of Flagg’s current handle.

No cause for concern, though. He’s 18. He will improve. Jaylen Brown did.

Kidd Knows This Blueprint

Interestingly, Kidd has trusted a young player with point forward duties before — Giannis Antetokounmpo. Back in 2016, Kidd coached the Bucks when he handed Giannis the keys to the offense. Giannis has gone on to become a two-time MVP and an NBA champion.

A Big Opportunity Now

The Mavs’ stacked frontcourt and Kyrie Irving’s rehab from his Achilles injury mean Flagg will get real reps as a primary ball handler.

That will unlock more of his game. He’ll find Anthony Davis for lobs, just like he did for Khaman Maluach. He’ll hit Klay Thompson on cuts, just like he did for Kon Knueppel.

The more Flagg runs the offense, the higher his ceiling climbs. Maybe to heights only Giannis Antetokounmpo knows.