Cooper Flagg might only be 18, but the young forward already looks like he belongs under the bright lights of the NBA
As the Dallas Mavericks took the court for their first preseason game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, all eyes were on the rookie to see how he would handle his debut. What unfolded was more than anyone expected. The Mavericks may have found not just a future star but a player who can completely reshape their offense.
After months of anticipation, Dallas basketball returned in style, cruising to a dominant win over Oklahoma City. But the score was almost irrelevant. What mattered most was what the Mavericks learned about two of their newest additions—Cooper Flagg and D’Angelo Russell. Russell looked sharp and composed in his limited minutes, but it was Flagg who turned heads with a poise and versatility that felt years beyond his age. In just one half, he managed to score ten points, hand out three assists, and, most impressively, reveal an instinct for passing that caught even his coaches by surprise.
Flagg’s performance wasn’t just about making shots; it was about how he made the game flow. He read defenses like a seasoned veteran, finding open cutters, threading cross-court passes, and creating opportunities that simply shouldn’t have been there. His passing vision, something scouts had admired in high school, translated beautifully to the professional level. At 18, he looked comfortable dictating the pace of the game—a rare quality even among experienced players.
This kind of playmaking was exactly what the Mavericks needed after losing two of their best offensive minds in Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. Heading into the preseason, there were questions about who would take over the role of facilitating the offense. Few expected Flagg to be that guy so early, but he answered those doubts almost immediately. His ability to attract defensive attention, then use it to create open looks for teammates, added an unexpected layer to Dallas’s offense.
Even though the Thunder weren’t playing their starters, Flagg’s composure and decision-making stood out. Every possession seemed to go through him, and he responded with confidence and intelligence that felt far beyond his experience. For head coach Jason Kidd, it must have been a pleasant surprise to see such maturity in a player who’s barely begun his professional career.
And Flagg didn’t stop at passing. He showed off that all-around “Swiss Army knife” ability that made him such a coveted prospect. He handled the ball in transition, worked effectively off the dribble, knocked down both of his three-point attempts, and moved seamlessly within the Mavericks’ system. You could feel the crowd’s energy shift every time he touched the ball—it wasn’t just excitement; it was a sense that they were witnessing the beginning of something special.
At the same time, D’Angelo Russell, another new addition, made his own statement. After a turbulent stretch with the Lakers and Nets, Russell looked rejuvenated in Dallas. His command of the floor, sharp passing, and improved decision-making gave the Mavericks a much-needed boost. While fans weren’t sure what to expect from him, Russell quickly silenced doubters with a confident performance that hinted he might be ready for a major resurgence.
The Mavericks have long struggled with consistency at the guard position, but between Russell’s leadership and Flagg’s creativity, the team suddenly looks far more dynamic. Kidd’s system, which often emphasizes spacing and movement, could thrive with Flagg’s instincts and Russell’s experience working in tandem. If this preseason debut was any indication, Dallas might have found a blueprint for an exciting, fast-paced offense that keeps opponents guessing.
Of course, one game doesn’t define a season, and preseason results don’t carry over into the standings. But it’s hard not to be intrigued by what Flagg showed. His passing, awareness, and calmness on the floor were beyond his years. He played with the confidence of a veteran and the hunger of a rookie with something to prove. If he continues to develop at this pace, the Mavericks could have a franchise cornerstone who can do a little bit of everything—and do it all well.
The Mavericks’ preseason will continue in the coming days, but fans already have plenty to be excited about. Flagg’s debut wasn’t just a glimpse of potential; it was a preview of what might become a defining season for both him and the team. The hype is real, the talent undeniable, and for Dallas, the future suddenly looks brighter than ever.
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