“Don’t Know if I Was Ready”: Cooper Flagg Admits Point Guard Role Pushed Him To The Edge

The Dallas Mavericks challenged No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg early in his career by starting him out of position as a point guard. A small forward for the majority of his youth career, Flagg couldn't get the start he wanted in his NBA career after adjusting to initiating the offense full-time in the pros.

He played that role for seven games, averaging 13.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.1 turnovers. Flagg shot a measly 38.8%, including 30.8% from deep. The Mavericks had a league-worst 103.6 offensive rating. Jason Kidd and his staff took their time and eventually allowed Flagg to play small forward.

Since then, Flagg has managed 17.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 3.3 apg and 2.8 tpg on 48.3% shooting in six outings. On Friday, the former Duke star tallied 16 points and five rebounds on 61.5% shooting in a 133-127 overtime loss to the LA Clippers. It was the third time he shot over 50.0% since playing at small forward.

A reporter asked Cooper Flagg about his playing at small forward instead of point guard and the No. 1 pick unesitantly admitted the struggles he faced in the first seven games, saying (via Mavericks beat writer Mike Curtis):

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"It's a lot of pressure and a lot of responsibility that comes with being a point guard. I don't know if I was ready for that or if I was ready to handle that right off the bat. I tried my best & that's not to say I can't go back to it. I can work on it and get better. I think it's just worked out lately where it's just better to have somebody else help and relieve pressure."

Playing point guard at the NBA level from the get-go wasn't going to be an easy task for Cooper Flagg, who didn't have a feel for the pros as an 18-year-old rookie. With others bringing the ball up, he's been thriving by leaning on his strengths as a cutter and scorer. Flagg still handles the ball at times, but the defensive pressure isn't as much with a traditional point guard on the floor at all times.

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Cooper Flagg is delivering in the clutch for the Mavericks despite losses

Cooper Flagg playing at small forward is also helping him stay fresh towards the end of games. When needed, he's stepping up and playing aggressively to get to his spots in the clutch. Two games in a row, Flagg has produced exceptional possessions down the stretch.

Against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday, he muscled his way to the rim and scored over former Defensive Player of the Year Giannis Antetokounmpo with 30 seconds left to give the Mavericks a one-point lead. Dallas squandered the advantage and lost 116-114.

On Friday against the LA Clippers, Cooper Flagg tied the game 120-120 to give the Dallas Mavericks a lifeline in the first overtime period. The Mavericks forced a double overtime but lost 133-127.

The Mavericks being shorthanded in the absence of stars Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving is costing them games, but it's allowing Flagg to get crucial minutes and touches on the floor. Once the duo returns, these reps for Flagg will play a significant role in helping the Mavericks win.

Edited by Arhaan Raje