Home/NBA
Home/NBA
feature-image

via Imago

feature-image

via Imago

The Dallas Mavericks’ new era was supposed to start with a bang, but it was filled with questions instead. 18-year-old phenom Cooper Flagg, labeled as the next cornerstone for the Mavs, made his long-awaited NBA debut, but spent most of it watching the action unfold around him. Though the matchup against the San Antonio Spurs was hyped, what didn’t happen got people talking.

Watch What’s Trending Now!

During the return of Inside the NBA, Charles Barkley bluntly called out the Mavericks for starting the rookie at point guard. “The Dallas Mavericks trying to outthink everybody, think they the smartest dude in the world.” He pointed to the lack of a reliable playmaker to set up Flagg, who finished the game without any assists, despite being given the keys to the offense.

They need a point guard,” Barkley added, his tone part disbelief, part frustration. “First of all, Cooper Flagg, he only got two attempts.” He said, referring to just two shot attempts made by Flagg at halftime, neither of which converted. The clip instantly made the rounds online, striking a nerve with fans who felt the same.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

To Barkley, this isn’t an overreaction, but philosophy. He sees Dallas trying to turn a simple sport into a science experiment. His opinion was brutally straightforward: Basketball doesn’t need to be complicated. “Man, it’s basketball,” he said. “You push it, then you run your offense in the half-court. I don’t know what they’re doing.”

Flagg’s stat line illustrated Barkley’s point perfectly. Flagg was not aggressive until the third quarter, and even then, went 4-13 from the field, and registered no assists while turning the ball over thrice. For a player who dazzled in Summer League with his all-around play, him idling around while the offense ran through Anthony Davis was jarring.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

They got him trying to initiate the offense, man. Start D’Angelo Russell till Kyrie comes back,” Barkley demanded. The statement was a challenge, not to Flagg but to Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd and his staff. The message is clear: stop trying to reinvent the wheel and let the kid play his game.

Victor Wembanyama Steals Cooper Flagg’s Spotlight in Debut Duel

Victor Wembanyama owned the spotlight tonight at the American Airlines Center. The 7’4 star delivered a masterclass performance, recording 40 points, 15 rebounds and 3 blocks, beating Dallas 125-92. It wasn’t just dominance, but a statement, because he looked like an MVP candidate, completely outshining Cooper Flagg’s modest 10 points.

Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports

Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports

Starting at point guard decreased Flagg‘s scoring chances, and his defensive assignment didn’t make things easier. Reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle smothered him with his length, anticipating his every move. The Mavs tried to run off-ball screens to get Flagg open, but San Antonio seemed to have an answer for everything.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Still, Flagg did have some intriguing stretches. In particular, he strung together six straight points in the third quarter, using his frame to attack the paint, even recording an acrobatic up-and-under layup through contact.

Flagg wasn’t the only one struggling. Dallas shot under 40% as a team, while the Spurs cruised to over 55%. Anthony Davis managed 22 points and 13 rebounds but was busy with foul trouble. Ultimately, the Mavs’ chance to announce Flagg’s arrival turned into a lesson on how far Dallas and their young star must go.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT