Lesions, physical form and high expectations noted the trajectory Zion Williamson Almost from his arrival in the NBA. The player who monopolized the headlines even before the debut as a professional saw how lost matches, medical reports and doubts about their obligations were accumulated. Each attempt to restart his career faced some Physical failure or with intermittent presence On the highway.
Even their offensive average faults failed to clarify the general disappointment among fans New Orleans PelicansThis real impact of the vacuum at the competition was necessary in the new link in DraftAnd in this context the name Cooper FlagField
He arrives in Dallas as a great obligation to lead a new competitive cycle
Although the label number one He was accompanied for a long time, Flagg is faced with the problem of consolidation of himself as more than a promise. His arrival in Dallas MaveriksApproved by the 2025 DRAFT NBA draw, responds to a very clear franchise plan.
The team needs a new game generator, someone capable of covering a hole left Luke Donchich And for activation from the first day, a suit with consolidated veterans, but without a edge for experiments. Jason KiddThe team coach explained that his intention was to place him on Command of offensive operationsConfirming at the press conference: “I want to put it as a base. I want you to feel uncomfortable, see how she reacts, and is ultimately able to control the game. ”
The bet does not start from nothing. In his only season in DukeFlagg scored an average of 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 programs per game, from 38.5 % in the top three. These records added to their protective effects strengthened the idea that their style Suitable in any competitive structureField
When training the American team last year, when he was only 17 years old, he left the impression as solid as even players as players Trey Murphy They referred to their presence there with respect, confirming in the collected statements POleading Sports: “More who showed that he deserved to be there.”
Its competitive nature and its willingness to change other promises
The history of Flag in lower categories is already indicated in this direction. At 13 Matt Mackenzie They faced him with universities to evaluate his ability to adapt. In one of these fights, after several initial mistakes, he reached clearly impose the same player who previously overcame himMackenzie explained Use sport today The fact that this moment was fundamental for his trust: “I think that at that moment he began to develop this confidence that he could master the limits of his level.”
In addition to talent, which emphasizes those who worked with him, is his Teenage to correctionMackenzie noted in statements Sports This flag seeks to demand fully: “He does not want people to tell him that he wants to hear. They want them to squeeze him to continue to improve. ” This attitude is transferred to details, such as The specific work they did to configure the shooting mechanics After an irregular beginning in the three. In the last 24 games, Flagg signed 44 % of the perimeter success.
Dallas seems to have realized that this competitive character could switch to the highest level without a transition. Although they left with one 1.8 % of options to get the first choiceThe lottery draft laid them in front and soon confirmed that the plan would choose a flag.
In accordance with ESPNThe coaching staff believes that his The opportunity to read the game, visit and protection allows you to contribute from the first dayThe field was also expressed Jamame Mosleycoach of the American Olympic team Sub-23, explaining in Nba.com: “He thinks and reads the game all the time.”
The family partially explains the maturity that every sport is faced with.
The family environment also helps to understand its competitive maturity. His mother, Kelly FlagShe was a player University of Maine And the key figure in the first victory of the team in the NCAA tournament. His father, RalphHe played Public College of the Eastern State MenBoth converted basketball in the main part of the house in Newport, in the state of Men, where they brought up Cooper, his brother -shirt. Ace And his older brother HunterField
Now the next step in Summer League from Las -Vegas, where the flag plans debut with Mavericks against LakersIt will begin to check the field there if a player who is devastated in university basketball will also be able to change the direct course of the NBA franchise.
Kidd made it clear that the tests would not be symbolic. Your idea is to check from the first game if Flag may be a director who needs Dallas To build your next was After a wand that meant a translation into Donchich.
