The Dallas Mavericks seem set to pick Cooper Flagg with the primary general decide within the 2025 NBA Draft.
Current developments counsel the Mavericks has moved previous commerce rumors involving superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Coach Jason Kidd’s response to Flagg’s exercise strengthened the staff’s conviction. The Duke prospect impressed the Mavericks’ teaching workers throughout his go to to Dallas services.
Tim MacMahon, who covers Dallas for ESPN, revealed Kidd’s analysis of Flagg. The veteran coach sees similarities between the Duke ahead and a legendary participant from his personal period.
“This isn’t a exercise within the sense of an analysis or a tryout. This can be a get-to-know-you, take a look at our services, that is going to be your locker… Clearly, they’re enthusiastic about Cooper Flagg,” MacMahon defined.
Kidd particularly in contrast Flagg to Grant Hill, his co-Rookie of the 12 months winner from 1995. Each gamers share Duke connections and versatile talent units that impressed the Mavericks coach.
“There’s a buzz about Cooper Flagg. I’m informed Jason Kidd sees shades of one other Duke man in Cooper Flagg, a man who J Kidd shared the Rookie of the 12 months with, Grant Hill,” MacMahon famous.
Hill established himself among the many NBA’s premier abilities throughout his profession. The seven-time All-Star not solely earned Rookie of the 12 months honors alongside Kidd in 1995.
Hill’s accolades embrace one All-NBA First Workforce choice and 4 Second Workforce appearances. His point-forward talents drew comparisons to Michael Jordan throughout his prime years.
The previous Duke star excelled at creating performs whereas scoring effectively. Hill’s versatility made him one of many league’s most beneficial gamers earlier than accidents derailed his peak years.
Kidd envisions using Flagg in the same capability to Hill’s prime position. The rookie would deal with vital ball-handling tasks and provoke offensive units.
Dallas plans to maximise Flagg’s affect early within the season. Kyrie Irving’s anticipated absence creates speedy alternatives for the teenage prospect.
“Cooper Flagg is absolutely going to have an opportunity, particularly early within the season when Kyrie Irving is out, to play a degree ahead kind of sport. J Kidd thinks he can facilitate and be a ball-in-hand main man offensively as a teenage rookie,” MacMahon revealed.
Flagg’s school record-breaking performances help Kidd’s confidence in his talents. The teaching workers seems able to belief the rookie with vital tasks from day one.
