A lot has been said about the way Cooper Flagg has started life in the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks. Thrust into the point guard position by head coach Jason Kidd, Flagg has to date averaged 13.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and three assists per game, a far cry from the kind of expectations placed on the Mavericks star.
However, 2-time NBA champion and one of the best scorers of all time, Kevin Durant had only praise for Flagg.
“I think that he’s going to be a hell of a player. I think that he’s going to be such a nightmare… that… he’ll be considered one of the best of all time,” Durant recently told DallasHoopsJournal.com. The Houston Rockets star claimed that there might be an adjustment period for the 18-year-old, but he believes Flagg is destined for superstardom.
“I think that you’re going from in college playing four and five to playing point guard, two guard. That’s going to be an adjustment period for everybody,” he explained, referencing his own case as an example.
“I hate to inject myself into his [situation], but I came in college playing four, five. I came to the league playing a two. So it’s like position changes like that can really throw you off early on in your career, but I think he’s still working through it and having some good games, you know?” he said.
Durant clearly believes it is only a matter of time before Flagg gets used to the NBA.
“It’s only a matter of time before he gets it and clicks for him. He understands truly what his role is — I think the sky’s the limit for him,” he said.
Flagg’s elite two-way potential has been evident despite his slow start in the league. Durant believes Flagg is still having good games, and will eventually play to the best of his abilities.
