Here’s a bold statement: Cooper Flagg’s rocky start with the Dallas Mavericks might just be the beginning of something legendary. But here’s where it gets controversial—NBA superstar Kevin Durant sees striking parallels between Flagg’s current struggles and his own early career challenges. Could this rookie’s bumpy ride actually be the first chapter of an all-time great story?
The Mavericks’ season opener hasn’t exactly been a fairy tale. After a 110-102 loss to the Houston Rockets on Monday, they’re sitting at a disappointing 2-5. Injuries are piling up, and Flagg, a player with immense potential, is being thrust into an unfamiliar role—point guard. This position shift, orchestrated by coach Jason Kidd, has left the offense sputtering, with the team ranking dead last in offensive rating and points per game. And this is the part most people miss: Flagg never played point guard in high school or college. While he’s a natural playmaker, the adjustment is proving tougher than expected.
Enter Kevin Durant, who’s not hitting the panic button just yet. In a recent interview with DallasHoopsJournal, Durant drew a comparison between his own transition from college power forward/center to NBA shooting guard and Flagg’s current predicament. ‘It’s an adjustment period,’ Durant explained. ‘I came into the league playing a two after dominating as a four or five in college. Those position changes can throw you off early, but he’s still grinding through it and showing flashes of brilliance.’
Here’s the kicker: Durant isn’t just offering sympathy—he’s predicting greatness. After watching Flagg practice with the U.S. select team before the Olympics, Durant declared, ‘He’s going to be a nightmare… one of the best of all time.’ Bold words, but they come from someone who knows a thing or two about basketball excellence.
Flagg’s struggles are compounded by the Mavericks’ current identity crisis. With Kyrie Irving sidelined due to ACL surgery, the team’s guard rotation—D’Angelo Russell, Brandon Williams, and Jaden Hardy—isn’t exactly inspiring confidence. Kidd’s strategy of maximizing talent on the court is understandable, but it’s leaving Flagg in a tough spot. Interestingly, Flagg shines brighter when paired with true point guards, but those options are limited right now.
Now, let’s spark some debate: Is Jason Kidd’s decision to force Flagg into the point guard role a genius move to accelerate his development, or is it setting the rookie up for failure? And does Durant’s comparison hold water, or is he overestimating Flagg’s potential? One thing’s for sure—Flagg’s journey is far from over, and the basketball world will be watching closely.
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