Dallas Mavericks point guard Cooper Flagg stands next to head coach Jason Kidd
Getty
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 05: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks speaks with head coach Jason Kidd during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at American Airlines Center on November 05, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
When the Dallas Mavericks won the 2025 NBA Draft lottery, landing Cooper Flagg with the top pick, he was expected to thrive. Alongside Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and eventually Kyrie Irving, Flagg was supposed to slowly blossom into a superstar.
Instead, he is playing the wrong position, doesn’t have a reliable supporting cast, and is playing on a losing team, turning any preseason assumptions on their head.
Dallas has only started a true point guard, D’Angelo Russell, once this season. In that appearance, they suffered an embarrassing loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. The Mavericks are now in last place in the Western Conference, and things aren’t looking good for Flagg.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – OCTOBER 29: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts to an officials call during the second half of a game against the Indiana Pacers at American Airlines Center on October 29, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Cooper Flagg Compared to Ben Simmons
Both Flagg and Ben Simmons look like jumbo wings who can handle the ball and are touted for their defensive skill sets. Of course, Flagg doesn’t have the natural court vision Simmons has, but he has also shown no reluctance to score the ball.
Those offensive insecurities eventually ruined Simmons’ NBA career, and one legendary player thinks Flagg could succumb to the same faults.
“If Ben Simmons were allowed to be a power forward that can handle the ball the way he handled the ball, does his career turn out differently than making him a point guard?” asked Draymond Green on his November 6th podcast episode. “And so what I would just say about Cooper Flagg is you got to be careful with playing him at point guard. I understand the thinking behind it. But the last thing you want is him to lose his confidence trying to play point guard, because once you lose your confidence in this league, it’s nearly impossible to get it back.”
Of course, Flagg (unlike Simmons) thrives off-ball and can play as a spot-up shooting threat when needed. Physically, the two look very alike, but once the ball gets tipped and a game is underway, it’s clear that Flagg is a much more complete, versatile player.
Still, the Mavericks aren’t putting him in a position to succeed.
Cooper Flagg is Coming Up Short With Mavericks
Is it Flagg’s fault that the Mavericks are playing poorly? Nope. He’s not the one calling the plays or setting lineups, and he isn’t the one sidelined with injuries.
However, it has to be admitted that he is not living up to the hype. While he’s shown flashes and is still oozing with potential, he is far from the best rookie in the class by any metric.
Touted as a generational prospect and surefire star in the making, Flagg has been passed by rookies just as young, raw, and inexperienced as he is.
Asking an 18-year-old rookie to run point, despite never doing so before, is not a recipe for success. However, Flagg needs to be a star if Dallas has any hope of saving the season. It would help if he could play his natural position, but based on his play so far, even that might not be enough.