Game 21: Dallas Mavericks (5-15) vs. Los Angeles Clippers (5-14) | 9:00pm

[Chicagojk]

I think much of that is Flagg deferring to others. It appears to me Kidd has told him that he's really good in the paint, and when he gets in there don't look to pass on the wings unless you're double teamed or it's crowded. The percentage of him shooting inside the paint is better than almost anyone else outside the paint. He needs to be better at making defensive reads, but we can see that I think.

He just needs to be taking more shots and maybe taking 2-3 shots away from people like PJ or Naji or some other players. He needs to be the man the second half of this season. The "man" sounds pretty strange in this context. The kid can barely grow a moustache.

I have thought the same about Flagg shooting more.   I think he will too.  

Although, I also think what makes him unique is he isn't going to be a guy who stat hounds much.   He will make the right play.   I think most young players will look for their own.  That is natural.  I also think that could have created some jealousy with the veterans.  We have seen a lot of players who start this way but as they mature they change a little.  I mean the media and the fans do focus on these stats.  I hope Cooper doesn't change.  Now, I also don't want him standing in the corner either.   

His freshman year at Duke was what I hope we see.  There was little doubt he was the best player in the country, but didn't try to force that every play.   He let others shine.   Surround him with smart, winning players and you will soon see more wins than losses.

[Winter]

I have thought the same about Flagg shooting more.   I think he will too.  

Although, I also think what makes him unique is he isn't going to be a guy who stat hounds much.   He will make the right play.   I think most young players will look for their own.  That is natural.  I also think that could have created some jealousy with the veterans.  We have seen a lot of players who start this way but as they mature they change a little.  I mean the media and the fans do focus on these stats.  I hope Cooper doesn't change.  Now, I also don't want him standing in the corner either.   

His freshman year at Duke was what I hope we see.  There was little doubt he was the best player in the country, but didn't try to force that every play.   He let others shine.   Surround him with smart, winning players and you will soon see more wins than losses.

Yep, I should have added that I think he's doing this the right way. He's not trying to show what he can do. Rather he's learning the team game and positioning first. All that ball handling will have a bigger payoff later in the season I think. He's not in a rush to prove anything. Conversely, I think his teammates see that and appreciate it.

That's one of the reasons I can't see this team playing much worse for a tank. I can't see Kidd giving Flagg less minutes or not playing Kyrie when he's healthy. Our personnel is too good to be in the bottom ten at the season's end. The only way that happens is with a trade that redefines the team.

[mvossman]

Can we please ban anyone who said Flagg was average after the 18 year old played 8 games?

Like I think we have an obligation to maintain at least a standard of midline IQ on this board. For basic quality control and user ability standards.

You are way too focused on one or two posters overreacting on a game thread.  Folks say silly emotionally driven stuff in game threads.  And yet again your only contribution seems to be bashing other posters.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Flagg is going to better than LeBron. This statement is about 500% more correct than anyone who said Flagg’s upside is  a good roster player.

Better than LeBron? Hyperbole at it's finest. C'mon man, that's saying a lot. If he accomplishes half of what LeBron has in 23 years, consider him very lucky.

[Chicagojk]

Not to take anything away from Cooper, but man was Harden's defense atrocious.    He somehow was guarding Cooper for quite a bit too.

[Smitty]

I've felt like for weeks that PJ is stunting the growth of Flagg because he thinks he's the man for some reason when AD is out. After seeing Flagg play a full game without PJ, I'm convinced PJ is holding Flagg back. Either Kidd needs to put PJ in his place and tell him that he's the 3rd option behind AD and Flagg or he needs to be moved for assets. I like PJ a lot and he was probably my 2nd favorite Mav during the Luka years, but this is now the Flagg era and his growth comes first. Flagg needs to be the starting 4. There is no reason for PJ to lead the team in shot attempts, but he does so regularly.

WHATT??!!?

[BigDirk41]

WHATT??!!?

Pretty clear in what I said.