Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets just beat the Dallas Mavericks 110-102. This ensured that the Mavs have started the season with a 2-5 record. Considering that this team was thought by many to be an NBA title contender, that’s a poor start.
This has also led to concern about the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft, Cooper Flagg. Acquiring his services was a major coup for Dallas during the aftermath of the Luka Doncic trade. However, the team’s poor form and being played out of position mean he hasn’t lived up to the hype so far.
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Flagg himself is confident in his own abilities despite the shaky start. And it seems that KD’s a believer too, based on his recent comments to the media about the young star.
“I hate to inject myself into his [situation],” Durant told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “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?”
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Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
“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… It’s only a matter of time before he gets it and clicks for him. He truly understands what his role is. I think the sky’s the limit for him.”
This is high praise coming from one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. Clearly, Durant acknowledges that it will take time for the 18-year-old to figure it out at the highest level. And while he has not hit the ground running, only someone who doesn’t know basketball would bet against Flagg at this point in his career.
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