For the first time in years, the spotlight in the NBA is firmly focused on a white American prospect as he prepares to make his debut on a championship-ready team. The buzz surrounding his arrival stems from a curiosity about whether Cooper Flagg could become one of those rare, generational talents capable of being the face of the league.
According to Gilbert Arenas, Flagg’s landing spot couldn’t have been more ideal than the Dallas Mavericks. Interestingly, that is not because the 18-year-old Duke sensation is joining a Mavs team that unarguably has the deepest frontline in the NBA, but because of the situation he puts himself into. If things go great, Cooper is bound to draw comparisons to all-time greats who swiftly made an instant impact on their team’s winning prowess. In contrast, if things go south, the entire blame will be put on the shoulders of 14-year veteran Anthony Davis, who is set to earn over $54 million next year.
Arenas on how Flagg’s legacy is secured
There was always optimism that a healthy Davis would thrive in Dallas with a full offseason and training camp under his belt. His skill set aligns with the Mavs’ structure, and when you pair his veteran experience with the youth energy on the roster, the team has the potential to compete for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. If that scenario plays out, and Flagg is able to average close to 20 points per game, in Arenas’ eyes, he could very well be elevated to the same pedestal as historic rookie phenoms.
On the other hand, if Dallas underachieves, Cooper will be largely insulated from criticism. No matter the hype the 18-year-old forward has, it is no surprise that AD is still the No. 1 option for the Mavs. Thus, from an individual standpoint, this is a win-win situation for Flagg.
“He gets to build and learn with his mistakes without being crucified because the winning is gonna shut everybody down. So, they win 50-something games, nobody’s gonna say anything about him… they’re gonna blame AD (if the Mavs turn out to be a bad team). Right now, AD is the Number 1 focal point, so whatever Coopr Flagg adds to it helps AD, but it also helps himself too,” Arenas said on his show.
“Now, if he averages 20 and 10 because no one’s focusing on him, you’re talking about Tim Duncan when he went to the Spurs. Everybody is like, ‘Hey, this motherf—er is whoo.’ By the time he’s gonna be by himself, he’s already established his confidence.”
Flagg’s performance will be kept under a microscope
Given the immense attention Coop has garnered, fans and media are unlikely to grant him the usual rookie grace period. He’s already being measured by the same standards once applied to rookie Larry Bird. So, the expectations aren’t for Flagg to merely learn and grow but to immediately help Dallas become a winning organization.
Head coach Jason Kidd has already expressed admiration for Cooper’s confidence and versatility, urging his plans to deploy him in multiple roles. The rookie will be given ample opportunities to shine. While Davis may currently be the team’s No. 1 option, all eyes will be on Flagg and how he rises to the occasion.
