The Dallas Mavericks shocked the basketball world by selecting 18-year-old Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Now, with veteran talent surrounding him, one NBA analyst believes the former Duke Blue Devil might be the franchise’s only solution to a glaring weakness: playmaking.
Can Cooper Flagg Cover Up The Playmaking Holes For The Mavs?
The discussion unfolded on CLNS Media Boston Sports Network, a podcast covering New England sports. Bob Manning and The Athletic’s Law Murray broke down Dallas’ roster construction and the massive responsibility ahead for their rookie sensation.
“You’re asking Cooper Flagg to be Giannis Antetokounmpo basically,” Murray explained, drawing parallels to the Milwaukee Bucks’ approach during Jason Kidd’s coaching tenure there.
The comparison runs deeper than just putting the ball in a versatile forward’s hands. Murray continued: “Jason Kidd, when he got to go to Milwaukee and get the Bucks job, he put the ball in Giannis’ hands and accelerated his [potential]. They’re gonna have to [do the same to Cooper Flagg], because you can’t ask D’Angelo Russell [to be primary ball handler]. D’Angelo was legitimately awful last year.”
The harsh assessment of Russell reflects reality. The veteran guard endured one of his worst campaigns in a ten-year career, posting career lows in points (12.6) and three-point percentage (31.4%) while splitting time between the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets.
However, Dallas needed his services after Kyrie Irving’s ACL tear left them searching for backcourt help. Russell capitalized on the opportunity, securing a two-year, $13 million contract that allows him to start at point guard. The move also reunites him with Anthony Davis, recreating a partnership that helped drive the Lakers to the Western Conference Finals in 2023.
How Did Flagg’s Duke Season Showcase Elite Playmaking Ability?
The Mavericks’ decision to lean on Flagg makes more sense when examining his college production. The 6-foot-9 forward didn’t just score during his one-and-done season at Duke University. He orchestrated the offense with the vision of a seasoned point guard.
Flagg’s stat line tells the story: 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. Those four assists per game led his team and demonstrated his court vision under pressure. Beyond distributing the basketball, he dominated every statistical category, leading Duke in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks.
The versatility that made him the top draft pick now becomes his biggest asset in Dallas. Putting the ball in Flagg’s hands and allowing him to run the offense could accelerate his development while giving him a unique perspective on NBA spacing and tempo.
This 2025-26 season carries championship expectations for Dallas. GM Nico Harrison has publicly stated his goal of winning a title within three to four years, making Flagg’s immediate impact crucial. The timeline depends not just on the rookie’s growth, but also on the health and availability of Irving and Davis as the franchise builds around its young cornerstone.