High Hopes for Cooper Flagg in the NBA

The Dallas Mavericks' highly-touted rookie Cooper Flagg is stepping into the NBA with sky-high expectations. As a top draft pick, Flagg has garnered praise and confidence from notable figures, including former NBA superstar Blake Griffin.

Blake Griffin's Endorsement

In a recent appearance on the Post Moves podcast, Griffin expressed his admiration for Flagg, stating that he sees no weaknesses in the young player's skillset. Griffin, who himself was a No. 1 draft pick, believes that Flagg is the most complete player to enter the league in recent memory. "I think he's the most complete player we've seen come into the NBA in recent memory. Not saying he doesn't have room to grow; he still has a ton of room to grow, but I mean, he passes, he shoots, he defends, he rebounds, he seems like a great teammate and seems like a great kid," Griffin said about the rookie’s capabilities.

Comparisons to Victor Wembanyama

Griffin drew comparisons between Flagg and 2023's No. 1 overall pick, Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs, who made headlines as the NBA Rookie of the Year. Griffin asserted that while Wembanyama is also a promising talent, Flagg's versatility stands out. "What's the red flag? Cooper is able to play so many different positions, guard so many different positions… I'm just excited for him to start this journey," Griffin noted, highlighting Flagg’s adaptability.

Flagg's Impressive College Journey

Flagg's journey to the Mavericks began at Duke, where he was a standout player, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. His extraordinary performances earned him the title of National Player of the Year, quickly positioning him as a top choice in the draft.

Looking Ahead

During the Summer League, Flagg displayed his potential with a remarkable 31-point game in his second appearance, exciting fans and analysts alike. As he starts his career, Flagg will have the opportunity to learn from seasoned stars like Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, whose experience will undoubtedly benefit the rookie as he adjusts to the demands of professional basketball.

With Flagg leading the charge, the Mavericks aim to contend for a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference, making this season one to watch closely.