The NBA world tuned in as Cooper Flagg, the 2024 No. 1 overall draft pick, made his Dallas Mavericks debut—but the hyped rookie’s first game didn’t meet expectations. Flagg was candid post-game, calling his performance “not great” after a 112-98 loss to the Denver Nuggets.
Flagg’s Debut: Underwhelming but Promising
The 18-year-old phenom logged 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in 28 minutes, struggling with efficiency (4-of-13 FG) and defensive positioning. Despite flashes of his elite potential—including a chase-down block and a slick alley-oop assist—Flagg acknowledged the steep NBA learning curve.
“I’ve got a lot to learn,” he said. “The speed is different, and I made defensive mistakes. I’ll improve.”
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd remained supportive: “Cooper’s going to be special. Tonight was just step one.”
Areas for Improvement
- Defensive Adjustments: Flagg’s high-school dominance didn’t translate immediately; veterans exploited his positioning.
- Shot Selection: His 1-of-5 three-point shooting highlighted a need for better decision-making.
- Physicality: NBA size and strength were evident challenges.
Reactions: Patience vs. Panic
- Fans: Mixed responses, from “He’s 18—give him time!” to concerns over his efficiency.
- Analysts: ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted “20-30 games to find rhythm.”
- Nikola Jokic: The Nuggets star advised, “First games don’t define careers.”
What’s Next?
Flagg’s next test: facing Kevin Durant and the Suns on Friday. With Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving leading Dallas, the rookie can focus on growth without franchise pressure.
Final Verdict
A rocky debut, but Flagg’s work ethic and the Mavericks’ long-term vision suggest a high ceiling. As he said: “This is just the start.”
