Jason Kidd isn’t losing any time with No. 1 choose Cooper Flagg.
The Dallas Mavericks head coach made it clear he desires the 18-year-old rookie operating the ground instantly, beginning with the group’s Summer time League debut in opposition to the Lakers on July 10.
“I’m enthusiastic about giving him the ball in opposition to the Lakers and see what occurs,” Kidd mentioned at Flagg’s introductory press convention. “Let’s get it began, proper off the bat.”
Flagg, who starred at Duke final season and led the group in all 5 main statistical classes, averaged 19.2 factors, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per sport. He additionally grew to become the youngest No. 1 choose since LeBron James in 2003.
Kidd sees Flagg’s management and mindset as a significant asset.
“Simply sitting right here listening to him, isn’t it unimaginable?” Kidd mentioned. “I imply, we’re speaking about an 18-year-old who has all the suitable solutions and is speaking about figuring out after this. However while you discuss his reward, he’s a basketball participant. And he’s a winner.”
The Mavs’ coach doesn’t need Flagg boxed into one function, both.
“I need to put him on the level guard. I need to make him uncomfortable and see how he reacts, with the ability to run the present,” Kidd mentioned. “We need to push. And I believe he’s going to reply in a optimistic manner. It’s all proper to fail. It’s all proper to show the ball over. We’ve talked about that.”
Kidd sees similarities between Flagg and a younger Giannis Antetokounmpo, whom he coached in Milwaukee.
“However he wished to return again and have the ball,” Kidd mentioned of Antetokounmpo.
Flagg, in the meantime, is able to take up all the pieces.
“I’m simply wanting ahead to being a sponge,” Flagg mentioned. “Simply getting down right here, I’m excited to only be taught, soak all of it in and be taught from the fellows which might be older and have been by means of all of it earlier than.”
With veterans like Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson and Anthony Davis round him, Flagg enters the league in a uncommon place, a No. 1 choose becoming a member of a playoff-ready group.
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